William Frederick Zentz, Jr.

William Frederick Zentz, Jr. peacefully passed away at home and surrounded by family on May 31, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Catherine L. “Cathy” Zentz (nee Carrick); loving father of Richard Paul Zentz, Sr., the late Nancy Marie Grunwell and her husband Marshall and the late Vikki Lynn Zentz; adoring grandfather of Amanda Zajac (Zentz), Dana Zentz, Richard Paul Zentz, Jr., Catherine Zimmerman, Victoria Grunwell and William Grunwell; cherished great-grandfather Steven, Wyatt, Savannah, Sadie, Marc, Layla, Brantlee, Shyla, Jaxson, Colton and Cooper; pre-deceased by his sisters: Gladys, Betty, Charlotte, Mary Ellen; also survived by many other loving extended family and friends.

William was a proud Army veteran who served his country during the Korean War, carrying throughout his life the strength, determination, and grit that defined his character. Strong-willed and sometimes a little hard-headed, he was the kind of man who did things his own way and earned the respect of everyone around him. To his children, he was a hero, and to his family, he was a steady example of hard work, perseverance, and devotion. He found great happiness in the simple routines of home, spending countless hours tending to his vegetable garden and proudly sharing its harvest. While he could grow just about anything, corn remained his greatest challenge, the surrounding trees and unpredictable winds seemed determined to topple every stalk before it reached its potential. He loved mowing the lawn on his tractor and could often be found scattering bird seed across the driveway, then settling in to watch the birds from the comfort of his home, a pastime he had especially enjoyed with his beloved late wife Cathy. Horses were another lifelong passion. In the 1950s, he worked as an exercise rider at the racetrack, and his love of racing never faded. Over the years, he owned several horses of his own, favoring Appaloosas but also caring for thoroughbreds and ponies. Above all, he took great pride in his family, instilling a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren and delighting in the opportunity to watch his family grow through the generations. He considered himself truly blessed to see his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren thrive, and his legacy of hard work, love, and quiet determination will live on in each of them.

The family will receive friends in the Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley, Inc., 10 W. Padonia Road (at York Road) Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Monday, June 8, 2026 from 4pm to 8pm.

A Celebration of William’s life will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 starting at 11am.

Interment to follow at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.