Obit: Pentz, Erik N. (1975 – 2016)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Pentz, Finkbiner, Lee, Krause, Cullen

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, Wis.) 15 Jun 2016

Pentz, Erik N. (22 OCT 1975 – 5 JUN 2016)
Erik N. Pentz, 40, Willmar, Minn., formerly of Greenwood, died unexpectedly on Sunday evening, June 5, 2016, at his home. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., on Thursday, June 16, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Memorial visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., on Wednesday, June 15, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home (www.petersonbrothers.com)  in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Erik Nathan Pentz was born on Oct. 22, 1975, in Appleton, the son of Donald and Judith (nee Finkbiner) Pentz. Erik grew up in Greenwood, graduated from Greenwood High School in 1994, and attended Vermillion Community College and later Dunwoody Institute. Erik worked as a certified automotive technician and was employed for several years as a technician. On Aug. 13, 2005, he married Jennifer Madeline Lee at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca, Minn. After living in Grand Rapids, Mich., for a few years, they moved to Willmar in 2007. Erik was a past president and current board member of the Eagle Lake Association and a recently active volunteer and board member of the local Let’s Go Fishing chapter. He served as a Cub Scout Den Leader for Pack #227, and was a member of Vinje Lutheran Church, and the Kandiyohi County Pheasants Forever chapter. Erik’s interests included fishing, hunting, sports, music, friends, and hobby farming. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan. Erik loved being a full-time father and caring for his sons, Laird and Liam.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Jennifer Lee-Pentz of Willmar; two sons, Laird and Liam Pentz; his parents, Don and Judith Pentz of Greenwood; three siblings, Jeremy (Peter Krause) Pentz of Minneapolis, Leah Pentz of Madison, and Lisa Cullen of Minneapolis; his father- and mother-in-law, David and Kathleen Lee of Willmar; one brother-in-law, Warren (Liz) Lee of Atlanta, Ga.; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Let’s Go Fishing - Willmar Chapter, the Eagle Lake Association - Bridge Crossing Project, or Pheasants Forever - No Child Left Indoors Program are preferred.