Ralph Eugene "Gene" Lentz, 98, died December 9, 2025, at Legend of Hutchinson. He was born July 7, 1927, at Grace Hospital, Hutchinson, to Ralph and Hazel E. (Royce) Lentz.

Gene graduated from Buhler High School in 1945. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University, graduating in 1951, and Wichita State University in 1957. He served in the United States Navy. Gene was a high school vocal music teacher at Alden, Wichita, and Hoisington schools. He and Arleen moved to California, where he taught high school English at Upland and El Cajon. Gene retired from teaching and moved to Hutchinson, where he worked part-time at Elliott Mortuary. Gene was involved with the Kansas State Fair and assisted with the pavilions. He started and conducted Wesley Singers at The Wesley (formerly Wesley Towers), as well as other choruses throughout Hutchinson and the surrounding area. Gene also picked up woodcarving in his retirement; a craft he became skilled with. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Hutchinson.

On August 5, 1946, he married Arleen Martinie, in Hutchinson. They shared over 72 years of marriage prior to her death on September 9, 2018.

Gene is survived by: his son, Rick Lentz of Westminster, CO; and grandchildren, Erin Lentz of Goodyear, AZ, Meghan (Will) Lentz of Littleton, CO, and Wesley Lentz of Centennial, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Dan Price officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with the family present from 6 to 7 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.

Please click here to view the funeral service for Mr. Lentz.

Elliott Mortuary is in charge of arrangements, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.