Obituary for Gregory A. Lenz

Gregory Lenz, 71, of Brooklyn Park, passed away on September 22, 2021. Lenz grew up in Renville, Minnesota, graduating from Renville High School. He later attended Southwest Minnesota State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education before earning a master’s degree at St. Cloud State University.

Lenz taught elementary music in Osseo Area Schools for 33 years. He loved teaching music to kids and they, in turn, thoroughly enjoyed coming to class. His love for music was prevalent throughout his life. Lenz participated in Osseo Area Schools Wastebasket Review, a theatrical fundraising event put forth by educators and local community members with the purpose of raising scholarship monies for graduating seniors. His role in the show included participating in skits, a vocalist in the Swinging Educators ensemble, as well as playing the bass guitar as part of the Wastebasket Review Band. In 2021, after 45+ years of participation, Lenz was awarded the Wastebasket Revue Superintendent’s Award for outstanding service in helping students achieve their dreams. In addition, Lenz was also a member of Sunrise (worship band) as well as the bell choir at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. He was frequently called upon to play “happy birthday” on the piano at his grandchildren’s birthday parties.

Lenz enjoyed the great outdoors. In his younger years he dabbled in ornithology....identifying birds while bird watching, pheasant hunting and fishing.

From a young age, Lenz always had a desire to be of service. He often recalled times such as the one when he and his buddies picked up a 12 pack of beer and spent the day rescuing people whose cars were stuck in snow banks.

Lenz was a lover of sports. He coached his sons’ basketball teams, and faithfully watched the Vikings, Lynx, Gopher football, basketball and volleyball. He could also be found playing solitaire, watching “how to” videos or listening to music on YouTube.

A tremendous conversationalist, Lenz was known to strike up conversations with strangers at a moment’s notice. Whether in line at Menards or while walking the neighborhood, he was always interested in people and their stories.

Lenz was a loving husband to his wife Lori, a devoted father, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a kind, caring and soft-hearted man that will be deeply missed.

His survivors include his wife Lori, children Howard (Marcie) Mulcahy, William Lenz and Molly Lenz, stepchildren David (Ashley) Zelinski, Laura (Brian) McBroom, and Daniel Zelinski. Grandchildren Declan, Neve, Ethan, Emma, Logan, Avi, and Axel, sister Barb Woltjer, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Alfred “Mosey” and Delores Lenz, and brother Jeff Lenz.

Visitation Thursday, Nov. 18, 4-7 PM at Evans-Nordby Funeral Home, 34 2^nd St. NE, Osseo & 10AM, Friday at church. Service Friday, Nov. 19, 11 AM, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 7217 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Greg by donating to Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation , Wastebasket Review, or MMEA.