Obituary of Leonard (Len) LANZ

April 18, 1935 – Medicine Hat, Alberta
August 1, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Leonard Lanz, of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the age of 85 years, at the Agape Hospice in Calgary after a brief battle with cancer. He was predeceased by the love of his life Marlene Lanz in 2018. Her death left a broken heart that would never forget. 

Len was born in Medicine Hat, AB on April 18, 1935 to Christian Adam Lanz (1885-1954) and Gertrude Philomene Lanz (nee Lavoie) (1903 - 1987)  and grew up on the family farm close to Etzikom, AB where he went to school. Len had 15 siblings and is survived by Eva Adams and Gertie Heitrich.    

Marlene and Len met at the Canada Cafe in Medicine Hat where Marlene was a waitress and Len would play pool in the pool hall in the basement. They were married on August 28, 1965 in St. Patrick’s church in Medicine Hat, and are survived by their two children, Lorelei Lanz and Greg Lanz. Len and Marlene raised their children in Medicine Hat and Redcliff.

Len had a variety of jobs from chauffeur, to working on road crews but finally settled on becoming a Millwright and obtained his journeyman certification while working at Western Cooperative fertilizer plant from 1959 until its final closing in 1987.  They moved to Peace River, AB in 1989 after Marlene graduated from college and started working with the Métis Nation. They soon moved to their forever home in Calgary, AB with the birth of their first grandchild, Brett Chernow. They were there for the arrival of their second grandson, Jason Chernow. Family was everything to them.

Len was an avid reader and children and dogs always gravitated to him. He was always up for entertaining them. Len will be remembered for his gentle demeanour, his laugh and smile, and being a cribbage master. 

Len spent his final days, surrounded by the comfort and familiarity of family. Lorelei, Greg, Brett and Jason provided round the clock care.

A Graveside Service will be held in Big Prairie, AB, later this month, where Len will join his wife in their final resting spot. A friends and family, come and go, backyard gathering will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Len’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Leonard Lanz, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.