Arthur John "AJ" Lenz | 1984 - 2026
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Jun 2, 2026 | 9:04 AM / 122 views
FT. PIERRE, SD – AJ Lenz, 42, of Fort Pierre, SD passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026 at his home in Fort Pierre following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Funeral service will be 11:00AM on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre, SD. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Scotty Philip cemetery at Fort Pierre.
Arthur John “AJ” Lenz, 42, of Pierre, South Dakota, passed away on May 29, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a community that will miss him dearly.
Born May 7th, 1984 and raised in Pierre, AJ was the son of LaVern and Veronica Lenz. From a young age, AJ learned the value of dedication and hard work while spending countless hours alongside his father in construction. What began as childhood lessons grew into a lifelong passion and career that AJ took great pride in. AJ graduated from Pierre High School in 2002 and went on to earn his associates degree as an Automotive Tech from Western Dakota Tech in 2006.
AJ married the love of his life, Kendra Rae Andersen on September 15, 2007. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. They were blessed with two daughters, Aspen Renee, born June 9, 2010, and Mayzie Rae, born May 17, 2013. AJ adored his girls beyond measure. Being their father was one of the greatest joys of his life. The love AJ poured into them and life lessons he taught them will continue to shape and guide them for decades to come.
AJ lived his life in full color. He had a fondness for bright, bold colors, a deep love of music, and a knack for turning up the volume—whether through his favorite songs blasting from his subwoofers or through the energy and enthusiasm he brought into every room. AJ worked hard, loved fiercely, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His laughter, spirit, and unmistakable presence will always be remembered.
AJ is survived by his beloved wife, Kendra; his cherished daughters, Aspen and Mayzie; his parents, LaVern Lenz of Pierre, Veronica Lenz of Rapid City, and Leonard and Renee Andersen of Hayes who loved him as a son; his sisters, Becki Bilbo (Chris) of Wasilla, Alaska, Jennifer Wallace (Rollo) of Rapid City, and Jessica Grant (Scott) of Sturgis, his brother, Logan Lenz of Rapid City; nieces and nephews, Robert, Winnohna, David, John, Kade, Ben, and Charli; and JC Dennis of Pierre, who held a special place in his heart and was loved as family. AJ will be greatly missed by a large circle of extended family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will carry his memory in their hearts.
AJ was proceeded in death by his grandparents, John and Melinda Lenz of Wolsey and Arthur and Katherine Honomichl of … as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved.
