Wayne Norbert Lenz was the third child and second son born to Norbert and Thelma Lenz in Nampa, Idaho, on September 19, 1951. In 1953, the family returned to their roots in Ashton, Idaho.

Wayne attended Ashton schools and graduated from North Fremont in 1970.

Born a century too late for it, Wayne's preferred way of life would have been as a cowboy (even though he had no great love for cows), because, like his dad, his favorite place to be was in the saddle on a good horse.

As a young man, Wayne worked short term on ranches in Montana and Wyoming, and on a custom combining crew in Texas. Wayne served as a volunteer with the Ashton Fire Department. In 2009, when Aunt Viola (Lenz) died, Wayne took over her job reading gauges for Fremont Madison Irrigation, carrying on a family tradition that began with his great-grandfather in the early 1900s. He worked for several area farmers, and each fall looked forward to helping his cousin Don bring in his grain.

A prolific letter writer, Wayne corresponded with people (women) all over the country. He liked to share photos, cartoons, and inspirational quotes with friends and family. Wayne made friends easily and kept them for life. He was better than any of his siblings at keeping in touch with and visiting aunts and cousins in Nampa and Lewistown, Mt. He enjoyed his morning coffee and friendships with the locals at the Trails Inn.

Though he liked traveling and seeing other parts of the US, Wayne always returned to Ashton, and his siblings are grateful for the help he gave our parents as they grew older. In 2010, Wayne happily moved to his own inherited piece of land on the Falls River east of Ashton, where he lived until his death on October 15, 2021. At the time of his death, he was preparing to leave to spend the winter with his cousin, Bernette, in Nampa.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Clendon, and his little sister, Elaine. He is survived by a brother, Vern, and sisters Ardie, Patti, and Sharon.

Wayne lived life on his own terms, but as a Christian, he knew the Lord and was a strong believer in the power of prayer.

An informal (Levi's welcome) funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m on Saturday,October 30, at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashton.

Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Wayne to:  Champs Heart in Idaho Falls (ChampsHeart.org), and Lutheran World Relief.