Donald Eugene Lenz passed away on Saturday December 1, 2018 surrounded by love and with his loving wife by his side. Don was born January 14, 1930, eldest son of LeRoy and Francenia (Taylor) Lenz.

He was a lifelong resident of Freeport, IL. After his parents separated, Don left high school to work full time in order to support his mother, 3 younger sisters and 1 brother. True to his character, he never complained and just did the right thing. As a teenage boy, he became the man of the family. He inspired his younger siblings to help support the family. Being no stranger to hard work, he eventually earned his GED as he continued working various jobs throughout the years. He retired from Kelly-Springfield Tire Company where he made many lifelong friends.

Don was a devoted Packer Fan GO PACK! and a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles where he loved playing cards and being with friends. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He will be remembered for his quick wit and humor, telling jokes and playing games! He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Don said the best thing he ever did was marry Delores "Dee" (McDonald) on December 8, 1950. They were looking forward to celebrating 68 glorious years together. They were blessed with two children, son John (Becky) Lenz of Waukegan IL, and daughter Ginnie (Daniel) Pflaume of Clinton NC. There are five Grandchildren - Jeremy (Stephanie) Pflaume of VA; Amanda (Scott) Boyea of NC; Kyle (Hayli) Pflaume of NC; Erin (Jonathan) Harless of NC; and Adam (Amanda) Pflaume of KY; and seven Great Grandchildren - Gavin, Carter, Hayden, Aiden, Joel, Ryan and Easton. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Peggy) Lenz, El Paso IL sister Floreida (Fritzie) Lanes, Rolling Hills Estates CA, and numerous nieces and nephews. Don thought he had the most wonderful nieces and nephews any Uncle could ever have! Don was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Delores (Gene) West and Dorothy (Bernard) Henderson.

A special thanks to Gina and Jeff Jones, Barb and Kim Hemesath for your acts of kindness and being there in our time of need.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Church Friday December 7th, at 9:30, followed by Mass at 10:30. Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Joseph's Church in Memory of Don Lenz or to St. Jude Children's Hospital.