Oliver L. Lents, Jr.

Oliver “Ollie” L. Lents, Jr., age 71, of Sac City, Iowa, passed away Friday, March 26, 2004, at Mercy Medical Center, Sioux City, IA, following a lengthy illness.

Oliver L. Lents, Jr. was born on June 29, 1932, to Oliver L., Sr. and Renate (Rusch) Lents at Galva, Illinois. He moved with his parents from Galva to Charles City and to Sac City where he graduated from Sac City High School in 1950. He was baptized as an infant in Illinois and confirmed in 1946 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sac City.

Oliver joined the US Air Force in 1950, serving during the Korean War. He was awarded multiple service awards during his 20 years and earned the rank of Master Sergeant when he was discharged in 1972. While serving in the Air Force he was stationed throughout many states and countries overseas. On December 29, 1957, Oliver was united in marriage to Marlene Jean Maule at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sac City. To this union four children were born: Janet, in Spokane, WA; Judy, in Honolulu, HI; Jackie, in Fort Worth, TX; and Jeff in Tampa, FL. He enjoyed meeting many people while serving his country. After his discharge he joined the family business, Lents Cleaners in Sac City, until his retirement in 1994.

Ollie enjoyed motorcycling, camping, traveling, remodeling his home and playing cribbage with his “Cribbage Crew” but he especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, his children, and grandchildren. He was a member of the Sac City Lion’s Club.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Marlene; his children: Janet (Darlo) Austin of Sac City, IA, Judy (Doug) Koons of Webster City, IA, Jackie Lents of Boone, IA, and Jeff Lents also of Boone; six grandchildren: Jill (Jason) Lowe of Sac City, Joel Austin of Minneapolis and his friend Denise Kreft, Jesse Stamper of Spencer, and Alissa, Alex, and Austin Koons of Webster City; one great-grandchild Jaedyn Lowe of Sac City; his two brothers: Bill (Joann) Lents and Bob (Neida) Lents both of Sac City; a sister Maxine (Richard) Galloway of Moville, IA; extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oliver, Sr. and Renate Lents.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 29th, at 10:30 am, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Sac City, with Reverend Mark Selby officiating. Michele Suggitt will accompany Cheryl Gerry singing “My God and I” and congregational singing. Cynthia Mooney and Connie Meyer will take care of the flower memorials. Honorary pallbearers include members of the Sac City Lion’s Club and “Ollie’s Gribbage Crew”. Pallbearers are the following: Harlan Meyer, Ronald Whipkey, Morris Mooney, Kerrin Meyer, Earl Zimmerman, and David Wuebker. Burial will be at the Oakland Cemetery in Sac City with military graveside rites by the V.F.W. Post No. 590 and the American Legion Cantigny Post No. 195 of Sac City.

Visitation is at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City, Sunday, March 28th, from 2:00-8:00 pm with family present from 2-4 and 6-8.