Daniel Thomas Lenz, 44, a Northland resident of Kansas City, MO., passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022. Daniel was born February 4, 1978 to Thomas William and Karen Ann (Oyler) Lenz in Topeka, KS.
Daniel was a Christian by faith and was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church. He attended the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC) and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He was also initiated as a brother of the Delta Delta chapter of Pi Kappa Phi in Kirksville, Missouri. Daniel had a broad knowledge of current events and a passion for pop culture, including music, politics, sports and art. He was always ready for a lively conversation on any topic with his many friends who remember him as a kind person with a good heart.
The Scouting program was extremely important to Daniel. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of The Tribe of Mic-O-Say with Fire Builder responsibilities at the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. Daniel’s Mic-O-Say name was “Second Son of Walking Two Feathers.”
He was preceded in death by his mother, Karen, his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Alexis Delsemme, and his niece, Dorothy Lenz Delsemme. Daniel is survived by his father, Thomas Lenz, his stepmother Carol Swearingen Lenz, his sister, Deborah Dorothy Delsemme of Liberty, MO, his brother, Brian Walter Lenz of Liberty, MO and his “favorite” niece Ava Lenz Delsemme of Lee’s Summit, MO.
A visitation will be held at King of Kings Lutheran Church, Kansas City, Missouri on Thursday, June 16th from 6-8 pm. A memorial service will be held at the same location at 11:30 am on Friday, June 17th. Memories of Daniel and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com . In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Heart of America Council, Tribe of Mic-O-Say or https://app.mobilecause.com/form/eRJz7A?vid=sgk3h.
Deepest & most sincere ,condolences,to Dan’s family. He was a very warm,caring, intelligent,& witty man. May his family &friends find peace & serenity in knowing,how much he was loved.
I am crushed. Daniel was an incredible student with a beautiful heart. I look forward to our reunion in Heaven.
When Deb and I moved from California to Kansas City 15 years ago, Dan was one of those big-hearted, warm human beings who made us feel right at home (and me, especially, since I was new to the area), The three of us became very close friends, like family, and speaking for myself, I will miss him terribly. It still doesn’t seem possible he’s no longer with us. That’ll take a long time to change, I know, but every time I think of him, I’ll be smiling and looking up into the clouds. God bless you, my dear friend.
Dan will be missed. My sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy . I’m wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time..
Still having trouble believing this tragic event. I enjoyed Daniel as a middle school student. Prayers for peace and comfort to his family and friends.
We are still trying to wrap our heads around this sad news. Prayers for Daniel’s family and friends. He is in the arms of Jesus and at peace.
My first thought about Daniel is that he was a listener and a conversationalist. He didn’t need to be the center of attention, but he added to the event. What a special skill that is! I remember how much Daniel and Jeff enjoyed each other’s company. They could talk sports and politics all while coaching Ava at tennis matches. What I knew of Daniel is that he was a kind and gentle soul.
It’s impossible to sum up who Dan was in a set of books let alone a few paragraphs, so I will just focus on what I experienced as his defining feature: Heart.
As someone who attended high school with Dan and knew him for a decade afterwards, I can say that Dan had a lot of heart. On the wrestling team together i never saw him quit or give up even though we had a coach that ran practices closer to marine boot camp.
No matter how many times he would have to carry me on his back climbing up the stairs during practice with me saying “giddy up” he would make it and then crack a joke afterwords about me needing to lose weight.
I recall an afterschool boxing sparring session in Dan’s backyard with a small group of friends. I was Dans “corner man” and took care of him between the 3 rounds of boxing. Towards the end there may have been a little running around by Dan, but still he went the distance showing heart. I was supposed to box afterwards but it didnt happen and i was secretly relieved. Dan had more heart than me that day.
Dan also was often the voice of reason. In our high school group, even though he was a couple of years younger, Dan would be the person helping to make sure whatever high school pranks or plans didnt go too far.
I feel such sympathy for Dan’s family. If I, someone who regretfully didnt stay in contact with Dan, feel this bad, I cant even begin to imagine their loss. I truly hope Dan’s family is able to work through the loss of Dan and live the best lives that I’m sure Dan would want them to live.
Very hard to accept that he is gone. He will be missed.
I feel lucky to have known Dan, and become close to him. No matter what was going on with Dan, he took the time to support the ones he loved in anyway he could and always offer a hug and an ear to listen. He was brilliant with a sense of humor to match, and could make you smile on your worst day. I will forever miss his unique and infectious laugh. He was a true and loyal friend with a very true heart. I will miss Dan immensely, and hope that he has peace in Heaven and is looking down on all of us with his infectious smile. Dan will forever be loved and missed. Prayers for his family and all mourning his loss.
Sadly, I never got to meet Daniel. I got to know him through his father Tom and step mother Carol. They spoke of him often, and I could see the love in their eyes and their words when they recalled stories of him. I could tell how special this young man was and how much they loved him and wanted the best for him. Words do not suffice here knowing the suffering they are experiencing. I am truly devastated for Daniel’s family and friends. But I am mostly sad for Daniel to leave this life before he had it figured out at only 44. Rest In Peace sweet boy. Tom and Carol and the rest of the family will need to be treated gently for a long time to come. Unfortunately, I know this pain. Sending only love 💕
I remember Daniel with great fondness as one of his middle school teachers. We had great debates over historical events.
Sending my sincere sympathies to Daniel’s family.
Ron & I were shocked when we read of Daniel’s passing. May our good Lord comfort you and he will give you the strength to endure. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear this. Your pain X2 must be unfathomable. We are sending you all our love.
We are so very sorry to learn of your loss. Please know that you have been in our thoughts and prayers. May God
hold Daniel and your family in the palm of His hand and give you comfort. Sending our deepest sympathy.