Katrina Boguski
PALMER RAPIDS – The ashes of Norman Lentz were committed to the ground in the graveyard at First Lutheran Church in Palmer Rapids this past Sunday. Those in attendance included family, friends and colleagues who had worked with Norman during his time as a millwright and local politician. Rev. Raymond Klatt officiated the graveside service which drew a large crowd who later made their way to the Palmer Rapids Community Centre for a reception and celebration of life.
The hall was filled not only with people, but also with photos, documents, and newspaper clippings commemorating the years of service Lentz gave to the community in which he was born and raised. He lived there until November of 2021 when he moved to Hastings Centennial Manor in Bancroft in November of 2021. At that time, his wife Kim Mantifel was no longer able to take care of him at home due to his health, but she continued to visit him daily for the first year, and then multiple times per week after that. Kim also brought Norman back to their farm whenever possible so that he could continue to stay connected to the land where he spent most of his 91 years.
Kim and Norman were married in 1989, and the powerful witness of their marriage could be seen not only through the family photos spread around the hall, but also in the strength of the family the raised together. Natasha and Dylan written after Norman died said, “We all knew this day would come; however, we did not realize how hard it would be when it did. Norman chose to be a father in every way that mattered, and we will miss him. We will be forever grateful, for the love he had for us, how he was there for us and how he took care of us; and then how we were able to give back that same love and care as he grew older. We love you, Norman.”
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