She was born at home in Holland, Texas, June 25, 1927. Her parents were Julius Guenzel and Anna Merkord Guenzel, first-generation U.S. citizens.

She was baptized at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bartlett and confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in New Bern. She graduated from Thrall High School in 1944.

Lena met and married Emanuel “Buster” Lantzsch in January 1945, a few months before he began his duty in the Army.

The couple joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Taylor, where the Lantzsch family were founding members. She loved her church family and was proud to serve for more than 75 years as Sunday School teacher, church council member, church treasurer, memorial chairwoman, cemetery treasurer, altar guild and WOW member.

Retiring in 1986 after 23 years of employment with HEB gave her more time to quilt, craft, work extensively on genealogy, travel to Germany to visit family and read novels. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent Thrift Store, Shepherd's Heart Food Pantry & Thrift Shop and John's Community Hospital Auxiliary.

Most of all, Lena had a heart of gold. She always found goodness in people. She exemplified Christian love and caring. Her family benefited from her love and kindness. She had an instinct for knowing when a grandchild needed to be rocked, needed a hug or someone to play with. She kept her family supplied with peach preserves and crisp dill pickles every year.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings Edwin Guenzel, Elsie Barr, Edna Barr, Norma Summers and sons-in-law Charles Dewitt and Dennis Werchan.

Survivors include daughters Karen Dewitt of Austin and Nancy Werchan of Georgetown; grandchildren Jeremy (Dawn) Knight, Jessica (Geoffrey) West, Brandon (Melanie) Werchan and Bryan (Jennifer) Werchan; and great-grandchildren Deanna, Jacob, Grayson, Austin, Cooper, Brooklyn, Dewayne and Logan. Also surviving is special brother-in-law, Carl Summers.

A memorial service is 1 p.m. Jan. 18 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 411 CR 401. Memorials may be made to the church’s memorial fund.