Bruce Edward Lentz

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Bertie Lentz, daughter Tammy Wollbrinck and her husband John Wollbrinck, son Jon Lentz, grandson Matthew Wollbrinck and his wife Holly, and granddaughter Katrina Smith and her husband Tyler.

The second of three brothers, Bruce was born on February 9, 1930 to Susan and Carl Lentz in Loveland, Colorado. He was a spirited boy who set out to enjoy life and its adventures. After graduating from Loveland High School, Bruce served in the National Guard from February 1949 to April 1951, when he was drafted into the Army. At the same time, he began courting his wife-to-be, Bertie Lovejoy. Bruce served in Japan until 1953 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. He and Bertie wrote frequently while he was deployed, and they married in 1953 after he returned to the states. The two settled in Greeley.

Bruce started his corporate career at Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph in Greeley as a lineman, and progressed through several roles including installer, commercial and community relations. He and his family relocated to Northglenn in 1966, when he accepted a role as programmer and then trainer for Mountain Bell. Ultimately, he was tapped to oversee the build-out of computer rooms and manage billing operations, where he worked until he retired. Thanks to an early retirement opportunity, Bruce retired from U S WEST in 1984 at the age of 54. He went on to start his own business prewiring new homes for phone service, and then worked part-time for five years at the Westminster AT&T phone center store.

All through his life, Bruce prioritized family and family time. Even after his children had grown and were out on their own, he continued to enjoy family trips, especially to beaches and Disney Parks. He was a master at remembering the people he met, and calling them by name every time he encountered them. It was his way of showing people how important they were to him.

Bruce was characteristically optimistic and strong-willed, believing and preaching that you can do anything you set your mind to. He was a natural athlete, a top pick for softball teams at the office, and enjoyed watching sports as well. He had an ear for music and was able to sound out songs on a guitar or piano. He enjoyed gardening and the bounty of fruit and vegetables that came out of his backyard was impressive and delicious. He loved to beat the odds, and often did so – with a knack for stepping in front of the right slot machine at the right time. His belief in himself and in life made remarkable things possible.

Bruce and Bertie are long-time members of St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Northglenn. A memorial service is planned to celebrate Bruce and his life at the church (10828 Huron Street). The service will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 1:00 p.m. and will be followed by a reception at the church. A ZOOM broadcast of the service will be available for those who aren’t able to attend in person at:

https://sslu.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e3f977bd936ffe795c52c38b7&id=48a686ef61&e=ed3400a3dd

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church. Donations can be made online (CLICK THIS LINK to donate via Venmo) http://www.venmo.com/ststephensnorthglenn or by sending checks to:

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church

Bruce Lentz Tribute

10828 Huron Street

Northglenn, Colorado 80234