Leo Lee Lortz Sr.

Leo Lee Lortz, 82, of Eden and formerly of Buhl passed away Thursday September 7, 2023 in Twin Falls, Idaho.  

Leo was born March 20, 1941 to Walter and Lucille Lortz in Sac City, Iowa.  He graduated from Boone High School and attended barber college where he then worked with his father for several years.

 

In the mid 1970s he moved his family from Pinedale, Wyoming to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he acquired his automotive knowledge and passion and opened his own shop. In 1985, he relocated to Idaho where he continued ownership of his own auto repair shop and where he spent 2 decades as a beloved mechanic to the community and friend to many. His selfless desire to assist those who needed him is remembered fondly.

 

In his early years, he married Donna Ackerman and had a son, Leo Lortz Jr. (Carol) and 3 daughters, Brenda Thompson, Linda (Jamie) Feaster and Lynette (Ari) Kontkanen. In 1987, he married Jennie Luker and acquired 2 more daughters, Teresa Luker and Carey (Chris) Luker. Leo enjoy being part of his children’s lives who blessed him with 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Leo was always extremely proud of his family and never missed an opportunity brag about them or share his excitement in a pending visit from them.

 

Leo loved trains, RC planes, painting with watercolors, and family games and cards, especially if he was winning. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He spent many weekends and vacations traveling from one wooded adventure to the next. He thrived on being the outdoorsman he was.

 

In their retirement, Leo and Jennie spent 10 years snowbirding in Arizona where they adventured in the local culture, deserts and Mexico. They summered in Idaho where they loved to fish, photograph and paint the beautiful scenery. He finally anchored himself in Eden, Idaho in the summer of 2017 for treatments for kidney failure, although it didn’t stop Leo from still enjoying all life had to offer.

 

Leo spent 82 years enjoying the great outdoors. He loved people and could spend hours talking to a complete stranger who would become a new friend. He never stopped learning something new: from guitar lessons, remote control big boy toys, cards and painting. There wasn’t anything Leo wouldn’t try his hand at.

 

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Lucille Lortz; daughter, Teresa Luker; and grandson, Michael Thompson. He is survived by his long-time loving wife, Jennie Lortz; 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by the family and large gathering of friends he’s acquired throughout his life.

 

A funeral service to honor Leo’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Farmer Funeral Chapel, 130 9th Ave N., Buhl, Idaho.