Clifford William 'CW' Lenz, 92
Clifford William “CW” Lenz, 92, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away Oct. 13, 2023, peacefully at home surrounded by family.
He was born Aug. 29, 1931, in Sanborn, N.D., to William Lenz and Lillian Altenburg. He grew up in Sanborn and had an eighth grade education. After he left school, and until he was drafted into the service in 1953, Cliff spent his time feeding the old-time threshing machines, cutting, plowing and harvesting grain on neighboring farms, as a hired hand. CW wasn’t afraid to take a risk and never shied away from hard work. Cliff served in the Army in Korea as a sergeant of the motor pool from 1953 to 1955.
Cliff met the love of his life, Darlene Tweten, through her older brother while they served in the Army together. They married on June 11, 1955, in Moorhead, Minn., and their journey to Coeur d’Alene was their honeymoon, pulling money out of their wedding cards to pay for gas along the way. Cliff then enrolled at North Idaho Junior College studying Auto-mechanics. He was the only student who had the privilege of tuning up his instructor’s car. He worked various jobs, supporting his family, including sealcoating, picking apples and working at the sawmill at night while he was attending school during the day. Cliff was a heavy equipment operator and then became owner/operator of Rural Sanitation from 1962 through 2003. When they bought the business, Dar became bookkeeper and manager. They went on to have four children. Their marriage stood the test of time for 68 wonderful years.
In 1982, he bought his dream land where they built their forever home and raised cattle for the next 40 years. The “Ranch” became the gathering place for all the infamous Lenz family holiday dinners, sledding shenanigans and competitive Bunco parties. The “Ranch” became the hub where friends became family. All were welcome and everyone left with a smile on their face and a memory in their heart. Mom and Dad spent many summers traveling home to Minnesota and North Dakota. They tried wintering in Arizona, but Dad didn’t want to be away from the ranch.
Cliff was well-known around the community with money in hand and asking for both a 10% cash discount and his military discount (in true Cliff fashion). You always knew where you stood with him, whether you liked it or not. His eyes were full of mischief, but his heart was full of love. He was unapologetically himself!
He was a proud member of the Eagles and the NRA and was the coach and a sponsor for the Napa Auto Parts women’s softball team for many years.
Cliff is survived by his wife, Darlene Lenz; daughters: Robin Lenz and Kelly (Lon) Lenz-Holden; and son, Pete (Shirley) Lenz; daughter-in-law, Dea Lenz-Elder; four grandchildren: Cody Lenz, Jesse Lenz, Kyle (Cheyanne) Lenz, and Jackie (Brandon) Stotz; and four great-grandchildren: Cooper Stotz, Carter Stotz, Kason Lenz and Kolby Lenz. He is preceded in death by his youngest son, Curtis Lenz; daughter-in-law, Ginni Lenz; and all his siblings.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Rifle Association (donate.nra.org/donate) or Hospice of North Idaho (2290 W. Prairie Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815) in memory of CW Lenz.
Please join us in celebration of Cliff's life at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church (812 N. Fifth St. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814). Dress for the occasion in your best flannel, in honor of Cliff. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of arrangements. Please visit CW’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com
