Vicky L. Lenz

Vicky Lynn Stewart Kuklentz Lenz, 78, passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she cared for. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 300 Country Club Lane, Akron, Iowa. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the church.

Vicky was born on September 11, 1947, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Donald and Leona (Irwin) Stewart. She was raised in the Springdale area of Sioux City alongside her siblings Donna, Norma, Jerry, and James “Bim”. She attended Lowell School and graduated from Leeds High School in 1965. After the passing of her father, her mother later married Loren Petersen, who became an important part of her life.

On March 30, 1966, Vicky married Ronald Kuklentz, and together they built a life rooted in love, adventure, and family. They raised their daughters Jackie, Angel and Lori in Richland, South Dakota. Their home was intentionally built near loved ones, creating a close-knit family that shaped generations. Ronald preceded her in death on December 7, 2008.

Vicky later married Gerald “Jerry” Lenz on June 9, 2011. They shared years of companionship until his passing on June 14, 2016.

Vicky dedicated over 25 years of her professional life to the University of South Dakota and the National Music Museum in Vermillion, serving as Director of Visitor Services. She was known for her welcoming spirit and her ability to make every person feel valued—qualities that defined her both professionally and personally.

She lived life fully and often outdoors. Whether participating in black powder rendezvous, hunting, camping, motorcycling, kayaking, swimming, or biking, Vicky embraced adventure with enthusiasm.

Vicky loved jewelry and was known for her signature “bling,” often wearing diamond rings on each finger. She enjoyed shopping and had quite a collection of purses, shoes, and clothing.

Though she didn’t always love cooking, Vicky was an exceptional baker—especially known for her pies. Her meringues were works of art, resembling mountain peaks and valleys, and tasted just as remarkable as they looked.

More than anything, Vicky will be remembered for the way she loved people. She was a natural caregiver who gave selflessly to family and others—caring for loved ones across generations and serving as a role model through her actions.

Affectionately known as “Grammie,” Vicky had a gift for making each person feel seen and important. With warm hugs, kisses, and genuine conversation, she made lasting connections with nearly everyone she met. She carried her faith quietly, finding strength in prayer and enjoying attending the First Baptist Church in Akron, Iowa.

In her later years, Vicky found joy in traveling, attending events, dining out, playing Rummikub, and spending time with her dear friend Gary Johnson, as well as her many friends and family members.

Vicky’s life was one of resilience, generosity, and deep love. She led by example, gave without hesitation, and leaves behind a family grounded in the values she lived every day.

Vicky is survived by her loving family her daughter, Jackie (Randy) Pirner of Sioux City, IA; and their children Derek (Maria) Pirner of Alameda, CA; Grayson (Molly) Pirner of North Sioux City, SD; Tiffani Pirner (Rod Huffman) of Elkton, SD and children Felicity and Macen; and Braeden Loghry of Sioux City, IA, her daughter, Lori (Stacey) Rabey of Akron, IA; and their children Justyne (Jess) McMahon of Akron, IA and children Westyn and Tripp; and Jorden Rabey of Akron, IA, her grandchildren Derrick (Amber) DeBuhr of Rochester, MN and children Scarlett and Dexter; and Andrew DeBuhr of Richland, SD, her brother, James “Bim” Stewart of Correctionville, IA, her sister-in-laws, Louise (Walter) Lenz of Sioux City, IA, and Diane (Ronald) Lenz of Sgt Bluff, IA.

She is also survived by her stepfamily from her marriage to Gerald Lenz: Chad Lenz of Tomball, TX and his daughter Brittany (Thomas) Gorman of The Woodlands, TX and children Alayna and Zander; Michael (Tamra) Lenz of Pinehurst, TX and their son Nathan (Kaylee) Lenz and children Hudson, Allen, Blake, and Emery; Danna Lenz of Magnolia, TX and children; and extended family members and friends whom she loved deeply.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Ronald Kuklentz and Gerald Lenz; her daughter, Angel Groethe; her grandson, Lukas Rabey; her parents, Donald and Leona Stewart, and stepfather Loren Petersen; her siblings, Jerry Stewart, Donna (Walt) Wendell, and Norma (Eugene) Merchant; her stepfamily members Ronald Lenz, Walter Lenz, James (Patricia) Duff, and Scott Lenz; along with many other loved ones who went before her.