Joann Lenz

Joann Ruth Lenz, beloved mother, grandmother and friend passed away on November 19, 2023. She was born on June 1, 1938, in Detroit and grew up in East Detroit. After graduating high school, Joann went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Valparaiso University. While at Valparaiso, she met Kurt Lenz, the man who would become her husband. They were married for 60 years, until his death in 2021. Joann is also predeceased by her daughter Michele Huggins. She is survived by her son Mark (Beth) Lenz, her son-in-law Matt Huggins, and her grandchildren: Shawn Huggins, Catie (Sean) Dolin, Lauren Lenz, Rachel Lenz, and Kristen Lenz. One of the great joys of Joann's life was being a teacher. Joann taught for Utica Community Schools for more than 30 years, teaching at DeKeyser and Graebner Elementary Schools in Sterling Heights. Her son Mark attended the same high school as students who went to DeKeyser and recalls that upon learning his last name, many shared that his mother had been their favorite teacher. Joann was a member of Hope Lutheran Church where she was an organist. Later, she became an active member at Peace Presbyterian Church, both singing in the choir and playing the organ. An avid stamp collector, she and Kurt enjoyed traveling to stamp conventions throughout the United States, where Joann's exhibits received Gold and Grand Awards. In 1995, Joann was elected to the United States Stamp Society (USSS) Board of Governors as Secretary, and she served in that capacity for 13 years. In 2009, Joann was recognized for her outstanding service to the USSS with the George W. Brett Century of Service Award, an award only bestowed nine times since it was established in 1999. In addition to activities with the USSS and the Plate Number Coil Collectors Club, Joann's service to philately also included being elected Director at Large to the American Philatelic Society, in 2007. Joann enjoyed backyard gardening and had an extensive collection of hybrid tea roses. She also liked doing crossword puzzles and watching game shows, especially Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Family Feud. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Philatelic Society: https://stamps.org

Joann Lenz

June 1, 1938 - November 19, 2023