Gary Dennis Lentz, 65 of Rochester, passed away peacefully at Methodist Hospital Rochester on July 5, 2017 following a brief illness with cancer.

Gary was born on March 7, 1952 in Olivia, MN to Leigh and Marion Lentz. As a young boy, the family moved to Rochester and Gary graduated from John Marshall High School in 1971. He married JoAnn Dunford, and the couple was later divorced. He then married Katie Hammje. He worked as a cook at Barry's Restaurant and Broadway Cafe in Rochester and later went to work for Crenlo, Inc. retiring after 43 years. To Gary, his children and grandchildren were his life. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Katie; his children, Tami (Scott) Rushing of Dundas, MN, Jenni (Brett) Mattson of Rochester, MN, Connie (Rob)Hammje of Denver, CO, John (Daniella) Hammje of Minneapolis, MN, Mike Hammjeof Viola, WI; siblings, Richard (Bev) Lentz of Rochester, MN,Maralee (Mike) Drellack of Alexandria, MN, Alan (Carol) Lentz of Redwood Falls, MN; grandchildren, Madison, Haili, Melanie, Mina, Iris, Azriel, Nico, and Frankie.

He is preceded in death by his parents,Leigh and Marion; and his brothers, Mike and Kevin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family to create a memorial in Gary's name at Money Creek Haven Campground in Houston, MN.

A funeral service for Gary will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11:00am in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the service.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.