Kathleen Ann “Kathy” (Guenther) Lenz passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 75. She was welcomed into the arms of her Maker, reunited with her beloved husband, and the children she lost too soon. Kathy was born on July 7, 1949, in Yankton, South Dakota and grew up in Crofton, Nebraska.Continue Reading
Kathleen Ann “Kathy” (Guenther) Lenz passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 75. She was welcomed into the arms of her Maker, reunited with her beloved husband, and the children she lost too soon.
Kathy was born on July 7, 1949, in Yankton, South Dakota and grew up in Crofton, Nebraska. She was the eldest of thirteen siblings. After enduring harsh winters, her parents, Lawrence and Hedwig (Boecker) Guenther, moved the family to Reeseville, Wisconsin, where they purchased a small farm from the Lenz family. It was there that Kathy’s life became intertwined with Larry Lenz, the oldest son of the previous farm owners. Their love grew over the years, and they married on May 24, 1969.
Kathy faced profound hardships throughout her life, including the tragic loss of three children in a house fire, the passing of a newborn shortly after birth, and later, her middle son’s paralyzing car accident. After more than 25 years of marriage, she also endured the loss of her beloved Larry. Despite these trials, Kathy remained a beacon of strength and love. She never complained or gave in to negativity but instead embraced each day with gratitude.
Known affectionately as “Granny” to many, Kathy found immense joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She touched countless lives with her kindness and unwavering resilience.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her legacy of love and perseverance continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Kathy will be missed by her children, Jennifer (Michael) TerLaan of Beaver Dam, Ryan (Lezley) Lenz of Columbus, Derek (Stephanie) Lenz of Reeseville, and Casey (Erin Sydow) Lenz of Reeseville; siblings, Ken (Bonnie) Guenther, Diane (Kenneth) Wylesky, LuAnn (Robert) Rake, Mike (Glenda) Guenther, James (Linda) Guenther, Lavern Guenther, Marcia (Dennis) Neuberger, Cheryl (Steve) Richard, Jean Schumacher, and Mary (Jeff) Winheimer; brother-in-law, David Stratman; grandchildren, Olivia, Alexander, Zoey and Bryce, Allison Julian and Isaac; great grandchildren, Emersyn and Dezriel; so many nieces and nephews; and numerous special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; children, Daniel, Joel, Frank and Nicole; sisters, Rose (Myron) Nehring and Karen Stratman; and brother-in-law, Ronald Schumacher.
A gathering will be held at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in the Town of Elba, Dodge County, on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday at 12:00 noon with Fr. Thomas Naidu officiating. Inurnment will follow in the St. Columbkille Cemetery. There will be food and fellowship to follow at Ryan and Lezley’s home.
Marnita Ross
left a message on April 4, 2025:
I want to send my deepest sympathy to each and everyone of Kathy's family. She was the sweetest person to be around as I can remember growing up as neighbors and baby sitting for Kathy and Larry's children. My love and prayers goes out to each and everyone of you during this difficult time. Love Marnita
Donna Martin
left a message on April 2, 2025:
Please accept my sincere condolences. I just learned of Kathy’s passing. We were co-workers at Fleet Farm and I considered Kathy a great friend. Her life was filled with hardships, but she persevered. Kathy was a treasure.
Art Guenther fam: Marvin, Charles, Angela, Gloria, Linda
left a message on March 22, 2025:
Anonymous
left a message on March 13, 2025:
Ellie Schulz. ( Arlene “Ellie” Guenther)
left a message on March 11, 2025:
Kathy and I were cousins, her Dad and mine, brothers; Earl and Lawrence Guenther. We grew up together. So many wonderful memories from being kids together. She was so quick with an easy smile! Always such a warm welcome whenever I saw her over the years, visiting her Mom or mine. Such an indomitable spirit among all the loss and tragedy. She will be missed by her family and friends. No words can express. the loss.
Margaret (Sadowske) Kitelinger
left a message on March 10, 2025:
I am so sorry for your loss. She was quite a lady. I will never forget her perseverance in all her troubles. We would always catch up whenever I came back to BD and she was at Fleet Farm. I remember how happy she was when she was able to retire. Prayers for all!
Jim Burton
left a message on March 9, 2025:
High School prom picture
Jim Burton
left a message on March 9, 2025:
Sorry for your loss, thought you might enjoy her Beaver Dam high school prom pictures
Jim Burton
left a message on March 9, 2025:
Sorry for your loss, thought you might enjoy her Beaver Dam high school prom pictures
Shawn Schmid
left a message on March 9, 2025:
So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing My sympathy to the entire Lenz & Guenther family on your loss She was a wonderful person
Jim Burton
left a message on March 8, 2025:
She was a great soul. I took Kathy to the high school prom at Beaver Dam High school . We dated for awhile until I was drafted for Vietnam.
I have a lot of great memories of Kathy. I will try to find a picture of her in her prom dress and post here.
Janel Hebl
left a message on March 8, 2025:
I enjoyed Kathy’s friendship throughout high school. She was always fun to be around and the Guenther family was so welcoming. So very sorry to hear of her passing.
Gerald and Lorraine Beal
left a message on March 7, 2025:
Our sympathy to Kathy's extended family. She was co worker and friend over the years. Always a smile.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Marnita Ross
left a message on April 4, 2025:
I want to send my deepest sympathy to each and everyone of Kathy's family. She was the sweetest person to be around as I can remember growing up as neighbors and baby sitting for Kathy and Larry's children. My love and prayers goes out to each and everyone of you during this difficult time. Love Marnita
Donna Martin
left a message on April 2, 2025:
Please accept my sincere condolences. I just learned of Kathy’s passing. We were co-workers at Fleet Farm and I considered Kathy a great friend. Her life was filled with hardships, but she persevered. Kathy was a treasure.
Art Guenther fam: Marvin, Charles, Angela, Gloria, Linda
left a message on March 22, 2025:
Anonymous
left a message on March 13, 2025:
Ellie Schulz. ( Arlene “Ellie” Guenther)
left a message on March 11, 2025:
Kathy and I were cousins, her Dad and mine, brothers; Earl and Lawrence Guenther. We grew up together. So many wonderful memories from being kids together. She was so quick with an easy smile! Always such a warm welcome whenever I saw her over the years, visiting her Mom or mine. Such an indomitable spirit among all the loss and tragedy. She will be missed by her family and friends. No words can express. the loss.
Margaret (Sadowske) Kitelinger
left a message on March 10, 2025:
I am so sorry for your loss. She was quite a lady. I will never forget her perseverance in all her troubles. We would always catch up whenever I came back to BD and she was at Fleet Farm. I remember how happy she was when she was able to retire. Prayers for all!
Jim Burton
left a message on March 9, 2025:
High School prom picture
Jim Burton
left a message on March 9, 2025:
Sorry for your loss, thought you might enjoy her Beaver Dam high school prom pictures
Jim Burton
left a message on March 9, 2025:
Sorry for your loss, thought you might enjoy her Beaver Dam high school prom pictures
Shawn Schmid
left a message on March 9, 2025:
So sorry to hear of Kathy's passing My sympathy to the entire Lenz & Guenther family on your loss She was a wonderful person
Jim Burton
left a message on March 8, 2025:
She was a great soul. I took Kathy to the high school prom at Beaver Dam High school . We dated for awhile until I was drafted for Vietnam.
I have a lot of great memories of Kathy. I will try to find a picture of her in her prom dress and post here.
Janel Hebl
left a message on March 8, 2025:
I enjoyed Kathy’s friendship throughout high school. She was always fun to be around and the Guenther family was so welcoming. So very sorry to hear of her passing.
Gerald and Lorraine Beal
left a message on March 7, 2025:
Our sympathy to Kathy's extended family. She was co worker and friend over the years. Always a smile.
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