Mervin Charles Lenz, born September 9, 1958 passed away peacefully at his home in Brunkild on October 28th, 2024 surrounded by those who loved him, after struggling for 20 months with cancer, and then struggling with complications.
He was predeceased by his parents Alphonse and Frances Lenz, his son in-law Victor Beckles, his in-laws Jake and Mary Fehr, and his 3 brother in-laws, John Fehr, Bill Fehr and Ray Arnal.
Merv will be remembered and greatly missed by many. He is survived his wife Esther, of almost 34 years. Also survived by his daughters Jennifer (Ben), Amanda, Heidi (Logan) and his adorable grandchildren Londyn, Irelyn, Rowan, Blakely, Abel and Orion, along with his siblings Frankie (Gus), Lambert (Brenda), Ellie (Ron), Barb, Ron (Janice), Bob (Linda), Gord (Louanne), Linda (Rob), Doug (Sherri). Merv is also survived by his brother and sister in-laws Marge, Dave (Virginia), Peter, Andrea (Pete), Elsie and Margaret. He had many nieces, nephews and cousins and wanted to acknowledge his Aunt Marie (Sandy) and his first wife Janet (Paul).
Merv spent the bulk of his early life in Starbuck, attending local schools in Starbuck and Sanford. Going to school was not his strongest strength, but Merv (along with some of his brothers) reminisced many stories about the days working on Harry Ammeter’s dairy farm while attending high school.
Merv did not live a complicated life and preferred to work with his hands as opposed to being in an office job. He worked at McDiarmid Lumber (later became McMunn & Yates) where he made some life long friends. He worked for his in-laws on the farm in Brunkild for many years and even laying water pipes for his brother in-law Dave, in Idaho. The years living in California, Merv was self employed working as a window washer and never bored.
His early family life was very important to him, being part of a large family there was many gatherings, visits to extended family where he would gladly tell stories to anyone who would listen. It is difficult to put this all into words, but being part of a family of 10, Merv had a genuine love for them all. Most of his fondest family memories were the family fishing and camping adventures where those stories would get funnier over the years.
Nothing brought Merv more joy than when he had his own children. He loved them and was pleased to watch them grow into their own successful careers, have their own families and thrive (through good and challenging times). He was so proud to walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days. He always claimed that all his daughters got their good looks from him. The best funniest recollection with his daughters occurred when we took them to the 6 flags theme park in California. This park had massive roller coasters that were extremely high and Merv was not too crazy about them. He tried to find a way to weasel out of this, only to find out that ALL his daughters just loved each ride. He was so tired, sore and his voice was so hoarse after a day of non-stop fun from the minute the park opened to the minute it closed.
He felt so blessed when his grandchildren arrived. Each one of them are unique and special in their own way. He enjoyed the visits, the sleep overs, family dinners or time sitting around the fire pit. He loved to give them rides on tractors, lawn mowers and ATV or show them any critters on the yard like the baby chicks, geese, cows/calves, pigs or sheep. They would frequently raid the garden for vegetables or pick apples. And when Merv went to visit his grandkids he loved to bring along ice cream treats for everyone. He quietly waited for many years and wondered if God will bless him with a grandson, and was happy on that arrival date. His only fear was that the grandchildren might only remember him from photos, and his hope is that they will retain a tiny part of Merv’s love for them in their heart as they grow up.
Merv had his hobbies, where he like to build things or restored old farm equipment in the shop. The shop dual purpose and served as a “man cave” where he would spend hours to visit, have a drink with his family and friends. Merv was there to assist anyone with the small things if they had a flat tire, check the oil and make sure that everyone could drive home safely.
Merv and Esther had many adventures and travels over the year. They lived and worked in California for 5 years where new friendships were made. Even though he loved the mountains, the desserts and the beach, the very first time he saw the Grand Canyon was one of the most impressive to see our beautiful world.
Merv was baptized in the Catholic faith and recently enjoyed St Ignatius Parish where he found deeper love and receiving of the Holy Spirit. In this church amazingly, Merv’s pain would always disappear.
Thank you for the love and care from the Macdonald homecare nurses who came daily.
A special thank you goes to his brother Gord, who helped Merv daily in this difficult journey because Gord walked in the same journey. Brotherly love is such a blessing that Merv received. Thank you to all the family, friends, neighbors, church members that came to help, pray or simply be Merv’s friend.
Fly high my friend, until we meet again.
He was predeceased by his parents Alphonse and Frances Lenz, his son in-law Victor Beckles, his in-laws Jake and Mary Fehr, and his 3 brother in-laws, John Fehr, Bill Fehr and Ray Arnal.
Merv will be remembered and greatly missed by many. He is survived his wife Esther, of almost 34 years. Also survived by his daughters Jennifer (Ben), Amanda, Heidi (Logan) and his adorable grandchildren Londyn, Irelyn, Rowan, Blakely, Abel and Orion, along with his siblings Frankie (Gus), Lambert (Brenda), Ellie (Ron), Barb, Ron (Janice), Bob (Linda), Gord (Louanne), Linda (Rob), Doug (Sherri). Merv is also survived by his brother and sister in-laws Marge, Dave (Virginia), Peter, Andrea (Pete), Elsie and Margaret. He had many nieces, nephews and cousins and wanted to acknowledge his Aunt Marie (Sandy) and his first wife Janet (Paul).
Merv spent the bulk of his early life in Starbuck, attending local schools in Starbuck and Sanford. Going to school was not his strongest strength, but Merv (along with some of his brothers) reminisced many stories about the days working on Harry Ammeter’s dairy farm while attending high school.
Merv did not live a complicated life and preferred to work with his hands as opposed to being in an office job. He worked at McDiarmid Lumber (later became McMunn & Yates) where he made some life long friends. He worked for his in-laws on the farm in Brunkild for many years and even laying water pipes for his brother in-law Dave, in Idaho. The years living in California, Merv was self employed working as a window washer and never bored.
His early family life was very important to him, being part of a large family there was many gatherings, visits to extended family where he would gladly tell stories to anyone who would listen. It is difficult to put this all into words, but being part of a family of 10, Merv had a genuine love for them all. Most of his fondest family memories were the family fishing and camping adventures where those stories would get funnier over the years.
Nothing brought Merv more joy than when he had his own children. He loved them and was pleased to watch them grow into their own successful careers, have their own families and thrive (through good and challenging times). He was so proud to walk his daughters down the aisle on their wedding days. He always claimed that all his daughters got their good looks from him. The best funniest recollection with his daughters occurred when we took them to the 6 flags theme park in California. This park had massive roller coasters that were extremely high and Merv was not too crazy about them. He tried to find a way to weasel out of this, only to find out that ALL his daughters just loved each ride. He was so tired, sore and his voice was so hoarse after a day of non-stop fun from the minute the park opened to the minute it closed.
He felt so blessed when his grandchildren arrived. Each one of them are unique and special in their own way. He enjoyed the visits, the sleep overs, family dinners or time sitting around the fire pit. He loved to give them rides on tractors, lawn mowers and ATV or show them any critters on the yard like the baby chicks, geese, cows/calves, pigs or sheep. They would frequently raid the garden for vegetables or pick apples. And when Merv went to visit his grandkids he loved to bring along ice cream treats for everyone. He quietly waited for many years and wondered if God will bless him with a grandson, and was happy on that arrival date. His only fear was that the grandchildren might only remember him from photos, and his hope is that they will retain a tiny part of Merv’s love for them in their heart as they grow up.
Merv had his hobbies, where he like to build things or restored old farm equipment in the shop. The shop dual purpose and served as a “man cave” where he would spend hours to visit, have a drink with his family and friends. Merv was there to assist anyone with the small things if they had a flat tire, check the oil and make sure that everyone could drive home safely.
Merv and Esther had many adventures and travels over the year. They lived and worked in California for 5 years where new friendships were made. Even though he loved the mountains, the desserts and the beach, the very first time he saw the Grand Canyon was one of the most impressive to see our beautiful world.
Merv was baptized in the Catholic faith and recently enjoyed St Ignatius Parish where he found deeper love and receiving of the Holy Spirit. In this church amazingly, Merv’s pain would always disappear.
Thank you for the love and care from the Macdonald homecare nurses who came daily.
A special thank you goes to his brother Gord, who helped Merv daily in this difficult journey because Gord walked in the same journey. Brotherly love is such a blessing that Merv received. Thank you to all the family, friends, neighbors, church members that came to help, pray or simply be Merv’s friend.
Fly high my friend, until we meet again.