Kenneth Lentz

Kenneth Wayne Lentz, 71, of Columbia, formerly of Malden, passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at his home.

Ken, son of Kenneth Abram and Betty Ann Russell Lentz, was born Sunday, July 6, 1952, in Cairo, Illinois. He graduated in 1970 from Meridian District 101 in Mounds, Illinois, and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

Ken was a dedicated teacher and school administrator. He held a Specialist Degree in Education and enjoyed teaching sixth grade. He was principal for the elementary/middle school in Malden.

After retirement, he greatly enjoyed being a Malden School Board member for 21 years and serving as president for many years. Ken also served on the Dunklin County Library Board and helped to obtain new libraries for the area as well as updates for existing libraries. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church until it’s closing, and was a current member of Campus Lutheran Church in Columbia.

In retirement, he enjoyed reading, researching family genealogy, researching history and playing cards with his granddaughters

On June 3, 1972, in Dexter, he was united in marriage to Mary Jean Riley. She preceded him in death April 24, 2016.

Ken’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He is survived by a son, Jeffrey Scott Lentz, and daughter-in-law, Laura, of Columbia; beloved granddaughters, Lillyann and Roselynn, both of Columbia; sister, Karen Anderson, and brother-in-law, Mark, of Oran; brother, Keith Lentz of Anna, Illinois; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mary Jean Lentz, he was preceded in death by his parents and son, Bryan Andrew Lentz.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7, at Landess Funeral Home in Malden.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Justin Sponaugle officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Malden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dunklin County Library, Attn: JoNell, 209 N. Main St., Kennett, MO 63857.