Obituaries

John L. Elenz, age 63, of Evansdale, IA, died on Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at his home after a long battle with cancer.

John Leander Elenz was born on December 9, 1946 to Lawrence and Marie (Papenheim) Elenz in New Hampton, IA.  John attended St. Mary’s School in North Washington.  He was then a farm hand for several years.  He served as a reserve Black Hawk County Sheriff.  John was employed at Rath Packing Plant in Waterloo for 15 years before working at John Morrell in Sioux City, IA. Later, John was employed at Tyson’s in Waterloo before retiring in 2007.  He was united in marriage to Sandy Onken.  The couple later divorced.

John enjoyed family get-togethers, wrestling on TV, cooking, and his time alone.

John is survived by one son Danny Jo (Paula) Elenz of Sioux City, IA; seven sisters Theresa Stremcha of New Hampton, Rita Cummings of Waterloo, IA, Rose (Leon) Meirick of Jesup, IA, Maggie Faber of Algona, IA, Tillie Havlik of Elma, Katie Schmitt of New Hampton, and Alice Kintzle of Waterloo, IA; three brothers Leo (Marilyn) Elenz of New Hampton, Mike Elenz (companion Sue) of Reno, NV, and Larry Elenz of Lincoln, NE; four grandchildren Gage Elenz, Jarrett Elenz, Branna Elenz, and Jewel Eichenberger.  He is also survived by his uncle Eugene Papenheim, aunt Henrietta Elenz and numerous nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter Judy Elenz; two sisters Mary Ann Webb and Barbara Borman; and one grandson Jeremy Elenz.