ROMAN JOSEPH LENZ, age 95, of Luverne, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Ava's Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. He was born November 14, 1927, on the family farm northeast of Ellsworth, to Adolph and Kathryn (Schmidt) Lenz. He graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School in 1945.

Roman married Joan Matthiesen on October 26, 1950, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Ellsworth. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged in 1954, Roman returned to Ellsworth and he and Joan continued farming on the family farm. Following Joan's death, Roman met Phyllis Lambert at a widows support group in Worthington. They enjoyed many years of friendship & companionship.

He was a former member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the St. Mary Knights of Columbus; and a current member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. He was also a member of the Ellsworth American Legion. He enjoyed bowling in singles & mixed doubles leagues; and attending Knights of Columbus Bowling Tournaments. He also enjoyed his Poker Club or "Prayer Meeting".

Roman is survived by his six children, Pam Hester, Glendale, AZ; Mary Jo Kavanaugh, Peoria, AZ; Don Lenz, Worthington; Pat (Joe) Zens, Epiphany, SD; Rick Lenz, Lismore; and Mike (Stacy) Lenz, Glendale, AZ; eight grandchildren, Samantha Hester, BJ Kavanaugh, Brittany (Branden) Carrick, Miranda (Austin) Brandt, Monica (fiancée, Tom Husman) Zens, Brett (Stephanie) Lenz, Scott Lenz and Amy (special friend, CJ Karl) Lenz; three great-grandchildren, Liam Carrick, Lincoln Carrick and Seraphina Lenz; brother, Jerry Lenz, Madison, SD; and a sister, Carolee Lenz, Clara City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joan on April 30, 1985; daughter, Jeani Latall in 2006; an infant great-grandson, Logan Carrick; four sisters, Frances Wagner, Kathleen Rensch, Lucille Kealey and Donna Becker; a sister-in-law, Mary Lenz; brothers-in-law, Walter Wagner, Marvin Rensch, Danny Kealey and Gordon Henslin and Bill Becker; and a special friend & companion, Phillis Lambert.

A time of fellowship will be from 5-7 pm Friday at St. Catherine Catholic Church in Luverne. A Memorial Mass will be 10:30 am Saturday at St. Catherine Catholic Church, in Luverne, officiated by Monsignor Gerald Kosse & Deacon Kevin Aaker. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery in Ellsworth.

Dingmann Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.