Eugene 'Gene' Lenz, 85

Gene Lenz, 85, died at home on Feb. 12, 2016, with his family at his side, after a courageous fight with cancer.

He was a man of high integrity, he excelled at everything he did. His word was golden. He was a great guy with a great sense of humor and wit. He fought this thing to the last breath. He never gave up. He said he was not done fighting.

Gene is survived by his wife Jackie Lenz; his daughters Gayle Waller, Valorie Margalit, Patty Milleren, and Rhonda Cronk; sons Brian Lenz and Levi Cronk; and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Eileen in Seattle and brothers Dick of Salem, Oregon, Larry of Yuma, Arizona and Gerry of Casa Grande, Arizona.

His love of the valley lakes started with his first boat in 1967. He had several boats but the one that gave him the most joy was his fishing boat on Lake Blaine. He enjoyed many hours fishing and enjoying his favorite place at Lake Blaine, or as he called it, “God’s country.”

Gene also loved cooking and researching. He was into his health food and was a veritable walking encyclopedia on any subject he was interested in researching.

He will be remembered as a great father, grandfather, and friend to many. He loved water sports, snow skiing, and most of all, fishing — and buying fishing supplies.

One of his great loves was watching his kids and grandchildren participate in sports. He was always on the sidelines cheering them on.

Before retiring, Gene owned and operated Lenz Construction.

He was born in Great Falls Aug. 27, 1930. He grew up throughout Montana and graduated valedictorian of Columbia Falls High School Class of 1948. He attended University of Washington. He started his construction career working at Hungry Horse with a toolbox and a saw and hammer.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Johnson-Gloschat, 525 Main Street in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, Gene has asked that you take a friend to lunch and spend time with someone you care about.

The family invites you to join them for a reception immediately following the service at Village Greens Clubhouse. Come and share your memories of this special man.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.