Obituary of Richard Lenz

Richard Lenz was born on May 29, 1956, in, Toledo, Ohio. He was the only son, amongst four children, born from the union of Carl and Delorse (Fisher) Lenz.  “Rick” as he became known, would attend Dundee High School and secure a place on their swim team.   In his younger years, the family operated the Dundee Theatre.   Rick began employment at the theatre running the movie projectors.   This was the start of his passion for classic movies as he relished watching them, especially if he could get paid to see the film.   

Rick never missed an opportunity to watch his favorite game show, “Wheel of Fortune”. He would always do his best to solve the puzzles before the contestants and his grandkids.   Rick was a collector of all things, Three Stooges, obtaining an extensive collection.   Among Rick’s “hobbies” was that of car detailing.   His obsession with vehicles was so well known that his family was sure to clean their own vehicles before stopping by the home.   Rick also dabbled in woodworking projects creating some of the most beautiful stools or shelves with very little effort.   

Rick and Lisa loved attending concerts. They enjoyed watching bands from Def Leppard, Neil Diamond, the Beach Boys, and even the Monkeys, at any venue.   One of his most cherished memories was when they took his mom to a Neil Diamond concert, where they sang and danced the night away.  Rick was a lover of travel. He particularly treasured the time he spent traveling with his wife.  Rick and Lisa enjoyed annual Fall trips to the Smoky Mountains as well as Summer and Winter trips to their favorite places, Saugatuck, Hocking Hills, and Traverse City.  Above all, Rick adored his family. He looked forward to visits from his grandchildren, where they enjoyed spending time together playing bingo, completing puzzles, playing checkers, and most of all watching movies while eating popcorn and his favorite of all, licorice. 

Richard “Rick” Lenz, age 65, of Dundee, Michigan passed away peacefully at 2:39am at his home on Thursday; July 15, 2021 with his wife and stepdaughter by his side.   He had been under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice.   His passing was preceded by his parents; a sister:  Kathleen Cunningham; and one nephew:  Jason Cunningham.  

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife: Lisa Badalamenti-Lenz; three stepchildren who he loved as they treated him with love, respect, and compassion:  Amanda (Jeremy) Nadeau, Jake (Madeline) Luthy, and Joey (Cindy) Luthy; a sister: Patricia (Scott) Leaman; a special nephew he held dear to his heart: James (Sunny) Damberg; thirteen grandchildren; nephews and nieces; and the newest member of his family, his favorite puppy:  Theo.   

Private services have been held and his care was entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156.     

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.