Erik Pentz

Erik Nathan Pentz, age 40, died unexpectedly Sunday evening, June 5, 2016, at his home in Willmar, Minnesota.

A memorial service will be at 2 pm on Thursday, June 16, at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Memorial visitation will be 5-8 pm on Wednesday, June 15, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home (www.petersonbrothers.com) in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Let's Go Fishing - Willmar Chapter, the Eagle Lake Association - Bridge Crossing Project, or Pheasants Forever - No Child Left Indoors Program are preferred.

Erik was born on October 22, 1975 in Appleton, Wisconsin, the son of Donald and Judith (Finkbiner) Pentz.  Erik grew up in Greenwood, Wisconsin, graduated from Greenwood High School in 1994, attended Vermillion Community College and later Dunwoody Institute. Erik worked as a Certified Automotive Technician and was employed for several years as a technician. On August 13, 2005, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca, MN, Erik was united in marriage to Jennifer Madeline Lee.  After living in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for a few years, they moved to Willmar in 2007.  Erik was a past president and current board member of the Eagle Lake Association and a recently active volunteer and board member of the local Let's Go Fishing chapter.  He served as a Cub Scout Den Leader for Pack #227, was a member of Vinje Lutheran Church, and the Kandiyohi County Pheasants Forever chapter.  Erik's interests included fishing, hunting, sports, music, friends, and hobby farming.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger fan.  Erik loved being a full time father and caring for his sons, Laird and Liam.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dr. Jennifer Lee-Pentz of Willmar; two sons, Laird and Liam Pentz; his parents, Don and Judith Pentz of Greenwood, WI, and three siblings, Jeremy Pentz (and Peter Krause) of Minneapolis, Leah Pentz of Madison, WI, and Lisa Cullen of Minneapolis.  Also surviving are his father and mother-in-law, David and Kathleen Lee of Willmar and one brother-in-law, Warren (and Liz) Lee of Atlanta, GA, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.