William "Bill" Lentz

May 21, 1938 -

Feb 20, 2020

William "Bill" J. Lentz Jr., lifelong Alaskan, died on Feb. 22, 2020, at his home in Palmer, Alaska.

Bill, a "Colony Kid," was born on May 21, 1938, in Palmer to Colonist Bill and Viola Lentz. He grew up on the Lentz Colony Farm which is now the Musk Ox Farm. Bill graduated from Palmer High School in 1956. In 1973 he married the love of his life, Phyllis Thomas. Bill worked as a truck driver for many years and then he and Phyllis operated Valley Wrecking in Palmer.

Bill enjoyed hunting, snowmachining, gardening, woodcarving and spending time with family and friends. Bill had a great sense of humor and was a delightful storyteller. In retirement he became an avid reader and enjoyed working crossword puzzles.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Viola Lentz; his beloved wife, Phyllis; stepchildren, Clinton Stearns and Ann Conn; and lifelong best friend, Jim McNeese.

He is survived by his brother, Bob (Mary Jo) of Wasilla; sisters, Barbara Thomas of Wasilla, Dolores (Bill) Butler of Homer, Caroline (Carl) Riley of New Mexico, Dorothy (Phil) Klein of Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill is also survived by his stepchildren: Susan Jones of Oregon, Wayne Stearns of Fairbanks, Laura Dalsky of Washington, and Marion Heffelfinger of Palmer. He had a special bond with Marion who was his caregiver during his final years. He is survived by his "special kids" the McNeese girls Teri, Dawn and Kalea.

The service that was scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2020, at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer is postponed. The service will be rescheduled as soon as it is safe to do so.

Donations may be made to the Friends of the Musk Ox, P.O. Box 587, Palmer, AK 99645.

Wasilla Heritage Chapel cared for the family.