Lawrence “Larry” S. Lenzen

Lawrence “Larry” Stephen Lenzen, loving Husband of the late Karla (nee Wrzinski), beloved
Son of the late Marty A. and Elizabeth R. Lenzen, Brother to Martin, David, Daniel, Sandy,
Susan Lenzen and Rafael Burgos, Uncle to Emily Anne (David), Stephanie (Daniel), Jaqueline
and Lorenzo (Rafael), Godfather to Scott Troogstad and Friend to more than one can count,
was called to eternal rest on Saturday, August 17th 2024.

Born, February 6th, 1950, Larry grew up on the 800 block of north Keystone Avenue. Originally
attending Our Lady of Angels and later, Saint Cyrils Parish, Larry made very many life-long
friends in this thriving West Side neighborhood. He attended Saint Phillips Basillica High School,
graduating in 1968. During his high school years, Larry spent time playing baseball and
quarterbacking his H.S. football team, “the Gaels”. It was also during these years, which he
started developing the skills as a mechanic, carpenter, electrician, plumber…which he would
carry throughout his entire life. As with many young men during the Vietnam War era, Larry
enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969. He faithfully served his country during this time, as a Motor
Transport Operator in South Korea, near the ‘Demilitarized Zone’. In his 3 years of service, Larry
rose to the rank of Sergeant.

Upon his return, Larry began working for Pepsi as a delivery driver, then eventually for UPS, as
an over the road truck driver, enjoying a long, successful career. He wasn’t much for rest and
relaxation on his days off, as he spent nearly all of his time assisting others, in all varieties of
automotive repair, construction and general handyman ship. He did these things out of the
goodness of his own heart, constantly putting others before himself. Later in life, Larry began to
help build homes for ‘Habitat for Humanity’, demonstrating an even greater charitable reach. In
addition to the 1000s of projects he had his hands in, Larry also had a great love for the
outdoors. When he did get a chance for some ‘R & R’, Larry would enjoy time spent camping,
canoeing and fishing with his closest friends, family and dogs.

In 1990, Larry married the love of his life, Karla, whom he’d met through the very neighbors he
spent so much time helping. They spent nearly the next 20 years sharing their home on Cuyler
Ave. with many furry friends, before retiring and moving to New Mexico. Retirement certainly
didn’t slow Larry down, as he now had even more time for his expanse of charitable endeavors.
Between projects Larry and Karla, along with their furry friends, would spend weeks at a time touring
America the beautiful in their RV. Something they both truly loved. Sadly, Karla passed in 2015,
leaving him heart broken but determined to continue his good works.

It was near impossible to keep Larry down. Even after struggling for years, with diabetes
among other health issues, Larry continued his charitable work, helping others whenever and
wherever he could. After undergoing dialysis treatments for well over 7 years, in February 2024,
Larry finally received the kidney transplant which he so desperately needed. Having completed
a very successful surgery and with a new lease on life, Larry had a renewed sense of vigor, as
he fully embraced his road to recovery. Apparently, God had other plans as he was called home
to join his family, friends and loved ones, who had gone before him. Men such as Larry are a
rare breed and though sorely missed, are loved even more and will never be forgotten. We are
all better for having known him. Rest in Peace.

Lawrence Stephen Lenzen; February 6th, 1950 – August 17th, 2024.

Memorial Service Wednesday, 28 August 2024, 3-8 PM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park (1/2 Block East of Austin). Interment Memory Gardens Cemetery Thursday, 29 August 2024, 1 PM in the chapel.

. For info 773-777-3944 or www.gffh.com.