Colonel John “Jack” Ormerod Lenz, USAF Ret., passed away on Wednesday, September 21st, 2022 after a too short fight against cancer. He leaves behind his wife Karen, to whom he was married for 53 years; his son Brian and his wife Samantha and their three children – Isabella (“Izzy”), Riley and Tyler; his daughter Cynthia (“Cindy”) and her husband Scott and their three children – Jacqueline (“Jackie”), Sean and Victoria (“Vickie”), his sister Cherie and brother-in-law Ed and nephew David.
Jack was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and spent most of his early life in Wisconsin. He attended the University of Michigan, where he was a member of AF ROTC and where he met Karen. In 1969, he married Karen, and they were never apart for 53 more years. He also joined the USAF, and embarked on a successful 24 year career that took he and his family around the US and abroad, before he retired and settled in Burke, VA to work as a defense contractor for another 22 years. In 2016, he and Karen moved to their beloved Sunset Beach house full time to enjoy the fruits of their long years of hard work.
There were three things that defined Jack. He was a true Michigan Man, and was the second of four generations to ‘Go Blue’. He was a man in service of his country, where he performed his duty with honor and integrity, and made many of his best life-long friends. Finally, and most importantly, he was a family man. His true love was Karen, and his pride and joy were the kids and grandkids they raised together.
He is loved and will be hugely missed. May his smile and laugh be remembered fondly by all that knew him.
Colonel Lenz will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be confirmed, and memorial services will be planned accordingly.
6 Comments
My condolences to my cousins Karen, Cindy, Brian and their families on the loss of Jack. He will be greatly missed.
I am beyond heartbroken for Karen, Cindy, Brian, the rest of the family & the world!
Jack was Tony’s Colonel years ago, but beyond that he became a friend & role model. We often say to each other “Is this a Jack Lenz moment when making a decision?” Jack said to us many years ago, when we were talking about a decision we had just made, “If you’d really regret it if you walked away & didn’t buy it or do it, would you always regret it?” That advice became one of our main decision making points for 30 years or so now. We’ve taught it to others & it’s very fondly know as a “Jack Lenz Moment” and has NEVER steered us wrong. It was just quoted once or twice while on a trip to Alaska within the last few weeks. We will always use it.
Much love to you all & as I’ve told Cindy, give each other hugs from us & you’ve been in our prayers for days! Tony & I love you all!
My dearest condolences and deep sympathy to Karen, Brian and Cindy at the passing of Jack. Jack was the best brother for Cherie and brother-in-law to me we both could have ever been blessed with. Jack – may your soul rest in peace,
and my you rise again in victory and glory. We all miss you big bro. ✝️
My deepest condolences to my cousins, Karen & Brian & Cindy and their entire families. My heart breaks for all of you. I just can’t believe that Jack has passed away, it doesn’t seem possible. Such a awesome & wonderful man gone to soon. I am so grateful for all the time we’ve shared.
RIP my dear cousin, you will truly be missed.
Love you ❤️
Linda
Our deepest condolences to the Colonel’s family. I am sure the Colonel is standing at attention as he is getting his new set of wings pinned.
Karen
Liz and I are so sad to hear about Jack. I knew about his cancer diagnosis, but he never indicated how serious it was. I have so many good memories of my times with Jack and our OFC outings.
Please know you and the family are in our prayers
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