Marian Ruth Loch Lenzen, a resident of the Sidney area for more than 65 years, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at the extended care facility of Sidney Regional Medical Center. Marian would have turned 85 on Jan. 19.
Services will be Friday, Jan. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sidney. There will be a wake service at the church Thursday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m. Gehrig – Stitt Funeral Chapel is coordinating arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made in Marian’s name to the church.
You may view Marian’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at www.gehrigstittchapel.com.
Marian was born in 1928, in Fairbury, Neb., the daughter of Kathrene Bennett and Frank T. Loch. She attended schools in Fairbury and Omaha before moving with her parents and siblings to Sidney in 1945. Marian graduated from Sidney’s St. Patrick’s Academy in 1946.
She married a handsome blue-eyed farmer named Jerome N. Lenzen on April 19, 1947. They moved a country schoolhouse to land owned by Jerome southeast of Sidney. The schoolhouse was remodeled, and the couple moved in. Later the house was enlarged to accommodate their growing family. Their four boys came first, then three girls followed.
For all of her achievements, Marian and Jerome always considered it one of their greatest accomplishments that all seven of their children graduated from the University of Nebraska, a milestone that was recognized by Nebraska’s governor.
Marian attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and was active in many of its Community Outreach programs, including volunteering at the Rummage House and donating to the Parish Food Pantry.
Marian is survived by Jerome, her husband of 65 years; their seven children and their spouses (Nick Lenzen and wife Kathleen, Bob Lenzen and wife Terri, Steve Lenzen and wife Karen, Patty Hammond and husband Kevin, all of Lincoln, Neb.; Matt Lenzen of Broomfield, Colo.; Kathy Labbe and husband Carl of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Amy Burt and husband Randy of Richardson, Texas); 13 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by brothers Wayne Loch (and wife Betsy) of Fairhope, Ala., and Robert Loch of Custer, Wash.; sister-in-law Eva Thomason (and husband Galen) of Fort Collins, Colo.; and brother-in-law Art Lenzen (and wife Linda) of Sidney.
Marian was preceded in death by brother Dennis Loch (married to Lynda) and brother-in-law Tom Lenzen.