Daniel J. Lentz, age 80, of Bullhead City, AZ, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, just one day before his 81st birthday. He died peacefully at home with his wife, Dena, and close friends by his side. His death was attributed to complications of numerous illnesses, including Addison’s disease, suspected stroke activity, and, finally pancreatic cancer.

Dan was born on April 15, 1945, in Elma, Iowa, to Charles and Gertrude (Freidhof) Lentz. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Elma, in 1963. He went to work for Briggs Transportation in Charles City, IA, and was later transferred to St. Paul, MN, where he met his future wife, Dena.

On May 3, 1969, Dan married the love of his life, Dena Benson, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN. For nearly 57 years, they built a life together rooted in devotion and partnership. To this union three daughters were born—Debra, Denise, and Diane—who were the pride of his life.

Dan began his career with the United States Army Reserve in 1965, a career which lasted 39 years, 8 months and 13 days. Rising to the rank of Master Sergeant, Dan served his country with pride, discipline and integrity. He retired from the military in April 2005, after which he continued to work as a private contractor with the military for another eight years.

His military journey took him and his family across the country—from Decorah, Iowa (1970-1988), to Seattle, Washington (1988-1992), to Little Rock, Arkansas (1992-1997), and eventually to Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1997-2005), where he was living when he retired from the Army. Dan and Dena moved back to Washington for several years and then eventually moved to Bullhead City, AZ, where they enjoyed their years of retirement together.

Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Dena Lentz, of Bullhead City, AZ; children, Debra (Mark) Sharp and Denise Lentz of Lynnwood, WA, and Diane (Lincoln) Snow of Dudley, MA. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Sam Ruiz of Austin, TX; Matt Ruiz of Minneapolis, MN; Parker Snow of Anderson, SC; and Jacob Snow of Dudley, MA. Dan is also survived by his sisters, Charlotte Sweeney of Chicago, IL, and Rosemary (Tom) Walsh of Lewisville, NC; brother, Michael (Robin) Lentz of Albuquerque, NM; brothers-in-law, James (Linda) Benson of Aitkin, MN, Arthur (Karen) Benson of Danbury, WI, and Bruce (Jeanne) Benson of Minneapolis, MN; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Gertrude Lentz; brothers Linus, John, and Joe Lentz; sister, Sister Bonnie Lentz; brother-in-law Bob Sweeney; nephew David Lentz; and his parents-in-law, John and Kathryn Benson.

If you want to understand who Dan was, you need only to look at the life he lived: a loyal husband, a devoted father and grandfather, a faithful servant, and a man who showed up—day after day—for the people and the principles he believed in. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Laughlin, NV on Saturday, April 25th at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. in the Clubhouse at the Reserve at Fox Creek, in Bullhead City. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial and Military Interment Rites will be held in Elma, IA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation (Addison’s disease) or Disabled American Veterans.

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