Lyle W. Lenz

 Lyle W. Lenz, age 89, of Lancaster, formerly of Chicago, IL, died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009 at Orchard Manor, rural Lancaster, WI. He was born on May 21, 1920, the son of Albert and Dorthea (Peters) Lenz in Stitzer, WI. Lyle enlisted into the U. S. Army in 1942 until 1945, serving in Europe and Africa. He received six battle stars, five  overseas service bars, European-African Middle Eastern Theater ribbon with one silver and one bronze battle star, good conduct medal, the Bronze Star and the WWII Victory medal. After his honorable discharge, he traveled west to  California and back to Chicago where he opened his own garage and remained there from 1951 until 1992. Lyle enjoyed his horses and harness racing as well as fishing. He also tried to coach the Cubs to a pennant.

Lyle is survived by his daughter, Susanne (Fred) Cassara, Melrose Park, IL; four grandchildren: Susan, Ronald, Julie and Lyle III.; seven great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Mary Lenz, Las Vegas; two sisters: Dorthea Beechey, Boaz and Elizabeth Florine, Lombard, IL; many nieces and nephews including his special nephew, Francis (Sandy) Lenz, Lancaster.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: Harlen and Lyle, Jr. Butch and two brothers, Albert and Donald.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with Pastor Chuck Miller officiating. Burial with Military Honors was held at Liberty Ridge Cemetery, Liberty Ridge Township, WI. Family and friends were welcome from 11:00 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home.