Anton M. 'Tony' Lenzen Jr., 77

Anton "Tony" Lenzen Jr., 77, Hankinson, N.D., passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on April 20 while lovingly surrounded by his family and under the care of Riveredge Hospice of St. Francis Medical Center. Tony was diagnosed with mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) on Dec. 8, 2011, and it claimed his life quickly.

Born Nov. 28, 1934, in Hankinson, to Anton J. and Regina (Hentz) Lenzen Sr. He grew up on the farm and attended Elma #2 school in rural Hankinson and St. Francis Academy in Hankinson.

Tony married Marlys Wilm on Sept. 4, 1954, at St. Philip's Catholic Church, Hankinson. They resided and farmed on the family farm for 5 years. Giving up farming in 1959, they moved to River Falls, Wis. He was employed in general construction work. In 1974, they moved to Sabin, Minn. In 1993, they moved to Glyndon, Minn., continuing his career in the construction field. In 1997 after having retired, they moved to Moorhead, Minn. Finally in 2003, they returned to live in Hankinson. Tony and Marlys were married for 49 years when she passed away on June 15, 2004.

Tony was very active in the church parishes he belonged to over the years, including Eucharistic Minister, church council, leading rosary, and serving as Sacristan at St. Philip's in Hankinson.

He was also very active in the Foresters, Knights of Columbus, and the Carpenter's Union, as well as an active and much loved member of Hankinson Senior Center, serving on the board there.

On Jan. 26, 2009, he married Genevieve "Genn" Kutter of Lidgerwood, N.D., at St. Philip's in Hankinson. They divided their time between her home in Lidgerwood and his home in Hankinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Regina; his first wife, Marlys; brothers, Raymond and Maurice; and a sister, Mary Raddatz.

He is survived by his five daughters: Denise (Tom) Goehring, Ft. Collins, Colo.; Donna (Jim) Soncrant, Moorhead; Susie (Charlie) McConaughay, Sandstone, Minn.; Sandy (Mike) Mietz, Oriskany, N.Y.; Julie (Greg) Scholler, Grand Forks, N.D.; a sister, Delphine (Bob) Cooper, Hudson, Wis.; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his wife, Genn; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, at St. Philip's Catholic Church, Hankinson. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 23, with a prayer service and rosary at 7 p.m. at the Frank Family Funeral Home, Hankinson. There will also be visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial be made to the American Cancer Society, Cares for Cancer, or the MS Society, in his name.

Online guestbook: www.frankfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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