William "Royce" Lenger

William "Royce" Lenger

Marion

William "Royce" Lenger, 71, of Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on October 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. Mass of the Resurrection will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. The burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Royce was born on May 17, 1953, in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, the son of John Richard and Margaret Virgene Lenger. Royce grew up with a deep sense of compassion that would shape his life’s work. He graduated from Knoxville Community High School in 1971 and went on to earn a degree from the University of Minnesota in 1979. During his early years, Royce also spent time working at his father's auto body shop, SA Auto Body, where he developed a strong work ethic and an appreciation for craftsmanship. He was united in marriage to Vickie (née McDannold) on May 18, 1974, marking the beginning of a beautiful union that would bless them with two children and later, three grandchildren.

Royce was a man of faith, a longtime and devoted member of Immaculate Conception in Cedar Rapids. His dedication to serving others extended beyond his spiritual life; he spent much of his career as a funeral director, offering care, comfort, and dignity to families in their most difficult times. Alongside this calling, Royce was a pilot, soaring the skies with the same grace and focus he brought to his work, and an EMT, always ready to provide aid in times of need.

Royce’s legacy is carried on by his beloved wife, Vickie, his children, Ryan (Sarah) Lenger of Iowa City, IA and Beth (Dan) Yaeger of Bettendorf, IA, and his cherished grandchildren, Amelia Yaeger, Rose Lenger, and Graham Lenger. He is also survived by his brother, Murray (Teena) Lenger, and sisters, Janine Lenger-Gvist and Richardene Jackson, along with many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Richard and Margaret Virgene, his brothers; Paul, Jon, and Gary Lenger, and his nephew, Andrew Gvist.

Royce’s life was a testament to love, service, and commitment—to his family, his community, and his faith. He will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The American Cancer Society.

Please share a memory of Royce at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.