Ronald L. Lentz, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Rockford. Ron was born on January 17, 1938, in Elma, IA, the son of Raymond and Romana (Huegel) Lentz. He married the love of his life, Julianne (Rowe) Lentz on February 10, 1962, in Rockford IL.

Ron grew up in rural Ionia, Iowa where he learned all about farm life as he worked side by side with his dad. He attended school in North Washington IA and graduated in 1956. He left the farm to pursue a career in data processing and later attended Iowa College of Automation in Des Moines. He began work in Freeport and later in Rockford.

In his free time, he loved to spend time outdoors riding his snowmobile, horse riding, hunting, fishing, traveling, tending to his garden, and riding his motorcycle. He was a kind man who loved to socialize and connect with people, always showing up to a social event and ready to play cards.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Julie Lentz; his five children, Chuck Lentz of Loves Park IL, Bob Lentz of Stillman Valley IL, Anne Aughenbaugh of Rochelle IL, Cathy Kunce of Stillman Valley IL, and Sue Ady of Rockford IL; his 10 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren; his sisters, Joyce (Larry) Schmitz of Des Moines IA, and Kathleen Rasing of Ankeny IA. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeanne, and his brother-in-law Roger Rasing.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6284 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford IL, 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory. To share memories and condolences online, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.