Velma M. Lentz

Please Note Date of Service

Velma M. Lentz, age 101, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at a local care center. She was the widow of Clifford A. Lentz. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, at St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD.  Rev. Paul Kuckhahn will officiate. Music will be provided by Julie Sulzle as organist. 

Visitation will be held at the church on Monday prior to the funeral service starting at 9:00 a.m. 

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown, SD.  Active pallbearers will be Matthew Lentz, Justin Lentz, Scott Lentz, Terry Kannas, Anthony Hogberg, and Nate Hainline. 

Velma was born on June 4, 1923, in Watertown, SD, to Edwin and Matilda “Hattie” (Stein) Krase.  She grew up on a farm north of Watertown and attended school through the eighth grade.  She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rauville Township. 

On October 13, 1946, Velma married Clifford Lentz at St. John’s in Rauville Township.  The couple moved to Watertown where they raised their family.  She sold Avon products for many years and once the children were older, Velma worked at the Drake and Travelers Inn as a housekeeper. 

She was a member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, Ladies Club, and the church choir.  She was a former member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rauville.  She loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.  She enjoyed baking and cooking, especially holiday baking.  Her favorite pastimes included Pinochle, cribbage, daily crossword puzzles from the Watertown Public Opinion, Yahtzee, ballpoint embroidery paint projects, and square dancing.   

Velma is survived by her three sons, Rollo (Deb) Lentz of New Ulm, MN, Darwin Lentz and David (Stacey) Lentz all of Watertown, SD; two daughters, Celestine (Max) Carpenter of Stockbridge, GA, and Pamela (Jeff) Peasall of Wisconsin Dells, WI; nine grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter. 

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and (Mathilda) Hattie Krase, husband Clifford, son Richard, sisters Evelyn Strege, Mildred Strege, Irene Lange, brother Lyle Krase, son-in-law George Thompson, grandson Michael Thompson, and great-great granddaughter Melody Buth.  

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting memorials to be sent to St. Martin’s Lutheran Church or Great Plains Lutheran High School. 

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti 

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