Inez Lensch

INEZ LENSCH

Cedar Rapids

Inez Mae Lensch, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 13, 2017. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 18, at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, located at 1000 Third Ave. SE. A Celebration of Life service also will be held there at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19. Interment will follow in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Phillips Funeral Home in Vinton is in charge of arrangements.

Inez was born April 11, 1942, in Atkins, Iowa, the daughter of Harvey and Ella (Rinderknecht) Krug. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1964, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching and home economics. She was united in marriage with David Lensch at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins on Aug. 24, 1963.

Inez was a dedicated wife, mother, teacher, friend and disciple and touched many peoples' lives throughout her life. Deep friendships and a strong faith in God developed as she and Dave were led to first Fort Wayne and Brownsburg, Ind., followed by 23 years in Wausau, Wis., with a return to Cedar Rapids in 1999.

Inez taught preschool and became a director over a 31-year vocation, beginning at Pilgrim Christian Preschool in Wausau, Wis., and continuing to teach at Little Lambs Christian Preschool in Hiawatha. She had a true gift relating to children and a passion for introducing them to Jesus. She is fondly remembered for her Mother Goose story times, which continued even after her retirement.

Inez truly believed in living her faith, which was reflected in the many activities and roles she took on within and outside of the church. She served on the Altar Guild and was a member of the choir and was a Stephen's Minister at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau. She was an usher and communion assistant at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, as well as a member of Renovare and Bible study groups. Her interdenominational commitments throughout the years were with Christian Women's Club and Bible Study Fellowship.

Throughout her life, Inez was an accomplished seamstress, quilter and baker. She enjoyed discovering new recipes and sharing them on many occasions among friends and family. She often traveled to spend time with her daughters and loved to entertain visiting grandchildren. One of the things she most enjoyed upon returning to Cedar Rapids was participating in family outings with siblings, aunts and cousins, especially the Double Dribbles! In 2013, Inez helped to found the Cedar Rapids support group for multiple myeloma and was its first leader.

Survivors include her husband, David; daughters, Lori (Michel) Marcotte of Gatineau, Quebec, and Kristin (Timothy) Huebner of Memphis, Tenn.; grandchildren, Tristan, Sebastien and Renaud Marcotte and Sloan and Charles Huebner; sisters, Karen (Paul) Nielsen and Audrey (David) Glasgow; and brother, Everett (Krista) Krug.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Ella Krug.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, 1000 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405.

Please share a memory of Inez at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.