Stephen R. Lenz

Stephen Robert Lenz, age 78, of Oshkosh, WI, died on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Aurora Medical Center, after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born on December 11, 1946 to the late Norman and Margaret (Pamplin) Lenz, in Oshkosh, WI. At 10 years old his first job was working at Miles Florists where he obtained his lifelong love of gardening alongside his Grandpa Robert who was the owner and horticulturist. The greenhouse was known for acquiring, growing and selling many new varieties including beautiful poinsettia and other strains of interesting plants and vegetables from German born, Albert Ecke. Miles Florists garden area is now the site of Steven's Park, Oshkosh. During and after that time of growing up, he attended UWO and in 1974 he received a Bachelors of Science degree in English Literature as his major and one in sociology as his minor. While at UWO he helped establish the Oshkosh Student Association Concert Committee helping to make the University a destination for many major acts throughout the years! Big names such as Bob Hope, Johnny Cash, Don McLean, Kenny Loggins, Jim Messina and dozens more!!! In the 1980's he owned and operated Festival Stained Glass Studio in Oshkosh for 10 years and was co-chair of Oshkosh Sawdust Days, a free family fun 4th of July festival. He was influential with the addition of 2 very unique areas/stages, Sabor A Mexico and Ragin' Cajun of Louisiana. His mento of a lifetime, Jerry Murphy of Spectacular Attractions, Tulsa Oklahoma gave him the opportunity to play a key role in his many operations of fairs and festivals from 1991 until the 2000's. He was his liaison for OCESA, the Disney of Mexico and La Feria, the State Fair at Roberto Clementa Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Jerry Murphy changed and shaped his entire and gave him the chance of a lifetime to have the skills and abilities to work many other major festivals and state fairs in the U.S and South America! Which leads to a special mention that needs to be made to the Dan Liebhauser Family for 30 years of wonderful travel and show production in the Upper Midwest. A special thanks to musicians, actors, managers, producers, stage hands, agents and others for all of the years beginning at the young age of 16 of working with him side by side.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Robert and Florence Pamplin. He is survived by his sister, Connie Hanson of Wauwatosa; brother, Mike (Donna) Lenz of Oshkosh; the love of his life for 50 years, Kathy Gore; the 2nd love of his life, his beautiful American Cocker Spaniel Sophie; and Linda Kehl of Neenah, who was like a sister to him. Along with many close friends.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society.