Obituary of Ellen Beth Lenz

Ellen Lenz, 82, of Iowa City, Iowa, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Thursday, December 12, 2024. 

Ellen Beth Lenz was born in Burlington, Iowa on November 15, 1942, the daughter of Charles Lenz and Frances Brokaw. 

Ellen wore many hats in her life, from managing retail to beautician to adventurer. She remained dedicated to her children and grandchildren, always willing to lend a hand or tell a joke to raise their spirits. Collecting awards at the Illinois State Fair for her embroidery and a one-time honor roll recipient in school, she loved to prove she could do whatever she set her mind to. Ellen loved to travel, boarding multiple cruises and taking road trips around the country, stopping at as many goofy roadside attractions with her loved ones as she could fit into her schedule. She proudly earned far more speeding tickets than she ever received. She had an excellent sense of humor and was never found without a smile even in difficult times. She never met a stranger who wasn’t her friend, a puzzle she couldn’t solve, a dog she didn’t love, and she always had a special caramel handy for anyone who needed a smile. 

Ellen is survived by her long-time partner, Ray Dutchik; her children, Ted Verstreater, Bob (Charlotte) Verstreater, and Misty (Jim) Mills; her siblings, Lois (Bob) Finley, Jim Wells, Chuck (Helen) Lenz, and Richard “Scratch” (Mary) Lenz; her grandchildren, Joe (Theresa) Verstreater, Jay (Laura) Verstreater, Tyler (Shannon) Verstreater, Cady (Joey) Verdeyen, Kohle Verstreater, Sarah (Andy) Pierceall, Katie (Jarrod) Coffman, Emily (Ethan) Lawrence, Andrew Kyser, and Rose (Lavell) Lovett; and 17 great-grandchildren, including her newest great-grandchildren, Annabelle Verstreater and Aliyah Verstreater. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Ruby, Don, Bob, and Jerry, as well as her beloved Aunt Margaret.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:30 P.M until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 10, 2025 at Legacy Ridge Assisted Living in Iowa City.  There will also be a Celebration of Life for Ellen from 4:00 P.M.until 6:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Esterdahl Mortuary in Moline, Illinois.