Shirley L. Lenz, 88, of Garner, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, at Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner, with Rev. Brian Lund officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Reformed Church Cemetery south of Garner.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, at Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St. in Garner, and will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.
Shirley was born January 25, 1938, in Hampton, the daughter of Ronald and Emma (Kothenbeutel) Barz. She graduated from Klemme High School in 1956.
She married Garold “Gary” Lenz, and the couple shared 59 years together. Shirley and Gary farmed south of Garner, building a life rooted in family, hard work and their Northern Iowa community.
The couple also enjoyed traveling and spending time at their home in Clear Lake. Gary passed away in 2016.
Along with helping on the family farm, Shirley spent 35 years working in the Hancock County Treasurer’s Office. It was a career she dearly enjoyed, and over the decades she formed many lasting friendships through her work.
Shirley lived a full and happy life and was known for always being there for the people she loved. Time spent with family and friends brought her great joy.
She was an active member of Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church in Garner and deeply valued the fellowship and friendships she found there.
Her family remembers a loving and kind woman whose bright spirit touched the lives of many people. Shirley’s warmth, generosity and devotion to those around her will be deeply missed.
Shirley is survived by her children, Steven (Janet) Lenz of Garner and Sue (David) Daellenbach of Henderson, Nevada; grandchildren Holly (Dave) Forshee of Delphos, Kansas, Taryn Williamson, and Alison (Dave) Heuer of Johannesburg, South Africa; her sister, Jean (Dan) Larsen of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; niece Stephanie (Keith) Dirks of Platteville, Wisconsin; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, on February 7, 2016, and her parents.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Family and friends may read the complete obituary and service information through Cataldo Funeral Home.
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