Born in Spokane, WA on March 22nd, 1960 to Beverly and Erhard Lenz, Mark grew up to excel as a selfless leader in his community and dedicated servant of the Lord. In his youth, Mark spent summers on “Uncle” Virgil and “Aunt” Ardine Zimmer’s Farm in Minnesota learning the values of independence and a hard day’s work. When he returned home to Spokane for the school year, he attended Spokane Lutheran School and later Ferris High School--graduating in 1979. Starting in his Junior year of high school, he worked in the retail business for Lamonts and then later for Nordstrom. In 1998, he started his own Sharp copier dealership Digital Imaging Solutions. As a small business owner, he valued the importance of taking care of his customers and employees like honored family members for nearly 20 years. At age 19, he met his first and only love, Mary, whom he later married in 1983. They spent 34 glorious years of marriage together which included many wonderful travels and adventures. As a tremendous father, Mark excelled in always being present for his two children and their activities. He began coaching his daughter and then his son in youth soccer, where he will be remembered for his motivational speeches he shared with the kids he mentored. Many people who knew him vouch for his loving dedication to his faith, his family, and his community. He was known for his positive, uplifting personality. He was an avid bass fisherman who competed in several tournaments with his fishing buddies. He fell in love with the Big Island of Hawaii and enjoyed spending his time relaxing on the beach with his “ohana”. Diagnosed with cancer, Mark was able to make the most of his life by giving back to others wholeheartedly. He started bass fishing day at Camp Goodtimes of Camp Reed where he was able to take children afflicted by pediatric cancer out for a day of fishing on Fan Lake every summer since 2014. After a five year battle with melanoma, including several triumphs and victories, Mark passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on November 22nd at age 57. He is preceded in death by his father Erhard Lenz, mother Beverly Lenz, and sister Sue Lenz. Mark’s legacy lives on through his wife Mary Lenz, his children Jennifer and Jonathan Lenz, his brother Dean Lenz (wife Cathy), and the numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, and many friends he considered a part of his family. A memorial service and reception celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at St. Luke Church 9706 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99218. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in honor of Mark “Mackinaw” Lenz to the YMCA Camp Reed Endowment, 1126 N Monroe, Spokane, WA 99201.

Published by Spokesman-Review from Dec. 6 to Dec. 12, 2017.
 

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