Jacob “Jay” P. Lenz

LANCASTER - Jacob “Jay” P. Lenz, age 68, passed away on Wednesday morning October 18, 2023, at his residence in rural Lancaster with his beloved family by his side. He was born on August 1, 1955, in Lancaster; the son of Donald and Marie (Funk) Lenz. He was united in marriage to Bonny Meier on October 8, 1977, at the St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster.

Jay graduated from Lancaster High School and entered the work force, spending about 17 years at Rayovac in Fennimore. He fell in love with carpentry work and continued his passion throughout his life. In 1984, he established his part-time business Lenz Carpentry until taking his business full time in 2000. Jay loved working every day and was so proud to pass his passion to his son Dusty, who currently owns and operates Lenz Carpentry. Jay enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, being a jokester, and spending time with family over a good meal. He and Bonny also enjoyed camping and taking many vacations together with their children and grandchildren. Jay was the proudest grandfather. His grandchildren, “Angels” as he referred to them, could always brighten his day and brought him great joy. He loved teaching them carpentry skills starting when they were young. Jay’s devotion to his family, especially his grandchildren, his work, and his fearless 3-year battle with liver cancer will forever be remembered.

Jay is survived by his wife Bonny of Lancaster; four children: Jamie (Mark) Stoney of Bloomington, Nikki (Ben) Dotte of Cross Plains, Ashley Lenz (Mike Demuth) of Hazel Green, and Dustin (Cheyenne) Lenz of Stitzer; 10 grandchildren: Ethan, Nolan, Aiden, Anthony, Hunter, Zachary, Lucas, Alan, Lani and Landyn, six siblings; Mary Ann (Clem) Grant, Steve Lenz, Pat (Joyce) Lenz, Pete (Carol) Lenz, Franny (Sandy) Lenz, Joe Lenz Sr.; sister in-law, Delores Lenz; longtime best friend, Dennis “Santa Claus” Cooper; and many other brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marie Lenz; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth Ann and Merle Sellen; two brothers, Donald Lenz Jr. and Michael Lenz; father and mother in-law, Bill and Lavon Meier; two brothers in-law, Daniel “Pork” Meier and LaDell “Buzzy” Buss; nephew, Francis Michael Lenz; and his great niece, Becky Johll.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Sam Lubner’s team at UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dr. Stader’s team at Family Medical Center, and the St. Croix Hospice Team.