Dennis “Mr. D” Lentz

Mar. 26, 1943 - Mar. 2, 2016

SOUTH BEND - Dennis Dean Lentz, 72, of South Bend, IN crossed over to paradise on Wednesday March 2, 2016 at Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born March 26, 1943 in South Bend, In to Robert and Ruth (Brandley) Lentz, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Mark Lentz, and an infant son, Timothy.

Surviving are his wife Marty Lentz, the love of his life for the past 35 years. Also surviving are his first wife Susan (Jeff) VanDurmen of Mishawaka, his two sons, James (Kim) Lentz and Steven Lentz, both of Mishawaka; three daughters; Julie Lentz (Rob) VanDurmen of Fort Wayne, IN, Robyn Hughes (Todd) Harbaugh of Buchanan, MI and Jennifer Hughes (Ryan) Wade of South Bend. Seven grandchildren; Ashley Hess (Chris) VanHuffel of Mishawaka, Devaney (Courtney) VanDurmen and Hayley VanDurmen, of Fort Wayne; Raymond Darnell of Hillsboro, Ohio, Burgundy, Justin and Austin Enders, all of South Bend; one great grandson, Joshua Steuer and one brother Roger (Brigitte) Lentz of Coloma, MI. And countless others who proudly call him dad and friend. He will be dearly missed by all.

He graduated from Clay High School in 1961 and married soon after. He was a great business man and hard worker. He had many different jobs throughout his life, with business management being one of his bests. From the early 70s he owned and operated his own business D & S Used Furniture for 11 years. He became manager of the former Renwald's in 1978 where he contributed largely to the success of the business, now known as Summer Song of South Bend for almost 38 years. He will be missed.

Known by all as Mr. D he loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved country music, Hank Williams and JR, playing his guitar, singing karaoke, fishing, camping, playing black jack at the casinos, and going to Nashville to Music City Row. He was a very generous and loving man who loved the Lord and taught his children the same. He was dad and friend to all. If you needed a meal, a place to stay, a job, advice on life, or just some fun, his house was the place to be. ALL were welcome and no one was turned away. He was everyone's rock. He taught us all how to live. We will miss him dearly.

Visitation takes place Sunday from 4-7pm at Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave. South Bend. Services by Pastor Scott Bowie will be Monday 11 am at St. Peters United Church of Christ, 915 Ironwood Dr. South Bend where Dennis was a member, with visitation one hour before services. A luncheon will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, per Dennis, donations may be made to the church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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