Marvin Lenz

Marvin “Marv” Walter Lenz passed away on July 15, 2022, at the age of 91 at Spring Valley Living in Spring Valley, Minn. 

Marv was born August 25, 1930, to Walter and Ollie (Johnson) Lenz.  He grew up on the family farm north of Ostrander, Minn., and worked as a truck driver and mechanic before becoming the third generation to take over the family farm. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sister-in-law Marjorie Lenz.

Marv was married to Carol Paulsen on March 10, 1962.  Marv and Carol have two daughters, Nancy (Lyle) Western and Deb Melton; four grandchildren: Stephanie (Ben) McNeill, Jamie (Adam) Hoatson, Daniel (Dr. Kelsey) Western, and Michael (fiancé Laura Brehm) Western; and four great-grandchildren, William and Kara McNeill and Gemma and Claire Hoatson.  He was preceded in death by his brother Arden Lenz.

Marv loved helping people, always prepared to assist in an emergency or after bad weather struck. He served his community through the years in a variety of roles, most proudly as the chief of the Ostrander Fire Department where he established the first responder program and was a weather watcher. He was the chairman of the Spring Valley school board. As a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Marv volunteered for many years as head usher. He enjoyed music, playing bass drum in the Chatfield brass band with Carol. Marv also enjoyed playing softball and pitched for the Ostrander softball team for 20-plus years.

He was a dedicated farmer and valued working, but made sure to never work too hard.  On Marv’s farm, only John Deere tractors could be found. Along with his family, Marv loved the Green Bay Packers and good-natured arguments with local Vikings fans. The only thing that Marv loved more than the Packers were his kids and grandkids. He was always proud of all of their accomplishments and a great supporter, showing up for marching band shows, sports events, and graduations.

A memorial service for Marv will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, with Pastor Betsy Dartt and Pastor Mark Kvale officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.