Charles Wesley Lentz

Charles Wesley Lentz, 92, revered father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, passed away at home Thursday, September 1, 2016. Chuck was born in Isabella County on May 6, 1924 to the late James Albert and Laura Belle (Humphrey) Lentz, and attended high school in St. Louis (Michigan). He graduated from Michigan State College in 1946 with a degree in chemistry, soon there-after marrying the former Elinor Jessup, of Wheeler, and starting a family.

After working for chemical companies in both St. Louis and West Virginia, he joined Dow Corning Corporation in Midland in 1955 as a research chemist, where he rose to the position of Director of Health and Environmental Sciences, retiring in 1986. In the course of his career he received (among many patents and publications for his work) the Midland Branch RESA award (now Sigma Xi) for "A paper Outstanding in Originality and Scientific Excellence," for research with silicate minerals, for which he was also featured in the journal Chemical and Engineering News.

In addition he was a member of the Scientific Affairs Committee of the Specialty Chemical Manufacturers Association, serving as chairman for three years, and a member of the EPA's Toxic Substance Advisory Committee. He also helped organize global producers of silicones for the purpose of co-sponsoring major toxicity studies, serving as chairman of that organization for six years, both before and after his retirement.

As well, throughout his notable and busy career, he spared no little time as a loving, attentive father, raising five sons and two daughters; was one of the first "Big Brothers" in Midland; served on the Bullock Creek school board for eight years, including as president for two of those years; on the Chippewa Nature Center board of directors (also as president for two years); and on the Midland County Historical Society, including as chairmen for five years.

Among his ever avid interests upon retirement were photography, writing family history, mountain hiking, and wood working. His photographic pursuits included a series of wildflowers, in both their blossom and seed-pod stages, which led to two publications and many public presentations. Another of his photographic projects was of farm silos built before World War II, which resulted in a companion collection of family stories about their silos. This, too, provided for many presentations before a variety of groups. His collection of photographs, slides and stories is now in the Clarke Historical Library at Central Michigan University. His woodworking ranged from building the family cottage, to one-of-a-kind beds, bookcases and chests. In later years he focused on the more aesthetic aspects of wood, fashioning objects that emphasized the inherent beauty of wood grains that nature itself provided.

Above all, Chuck always found time for putting family first. He was for them their bedrock of principle and virtue, their exemplar of duty and endeavor, a guide and teacher of excellence. And no less than his characteristic inquisitiveness into such diverse subjects as the wondrous details and curiosities of nature, and pet questions of philosophy, religion and the universe, was his own innate sense of humor ( as exemplified in the likes of such comics as Sid Caesar, Red Skeleton, and George Goebel, along with Snoopy & Lucy & Charlie Brown, and Calvin & Hobbs), and his love of sports (especially following and watching football, and his own sons' athletic pursuits), and his magnificent lifelong friends.

He is survived by his sons, Stephan (Terry), James (Janice Braun), Joseph (Cherelyn Bush), Anthony (Laura Snitzer), Christopher (Katie); daughters, Mary (Brent) Gilbert, Deanne; grandchildren Sarah Male, Isaac Lentz, Gwenalyn Lentz Clisso, Evan Lentz, Joseph Lentz, Tova Lentz, Jasmine Lentz; nine great grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife (of 69 years), his parents, a very special sister Ethel Longanbach and brother Emmert Lentz.

A Celebration of Chuck's Life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 10, 2016 from the United Church of Christ, 4100 Chestnut Hill, Midland, MI 48642. Family will visit with friends at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Memorials in Chuck's name may be offered to the Chippewa Nature Center. Arrangements are by the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home where personal messages of condolence may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com

Saturday, September 10, 2016
11:00 AM

United Church of Christ
4100 Chestnut Hill
Midland, Michigan 48642