Lee Royl Bienz, age 77, passed away on Monday, April 22, at his home in Opal. He was born on May 17, 1946, in Springport, Michigan, the son of Robert Royl and Marilyn Earle (Wortman) Bienz.
Lee spent most of his childhood in Averill, Michigan.
Lee served his country in the United States Army in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged.
Lee married Ellie Victoria Wedrite on May 27, 1987, in Manistee, Michigan.
Lee managed a motorcycle shop and was a mechanic and builder of bikes that he raced professionally, both motocross and flat track (# 47). He owned a gun shop in Midland, and then moved to Manistee, where he became a licensed fishing guide on the Manistee River and chartered tours in Lake Michigan. He designed and built world renowned river boats under the name “River Master.”
Lee’s love of the outdoors led him to Opal, where he and Ellie enjoyed riding his four-wheeler with their canine companion, Rocko. He became familiar with most of the trails in southwest Wyoming. He also enjoyed spending time with fishing buddy, Bruce, and his prairie dog hunting buddy, Steve.
He is survived by his wife, Ellie; parents; a brother, Craig (Kristen) Bienz; sister, Nancy (John) Eaton; nephew, Mark Bienz; nieces, Laura (Jason) Rosendaul, Claudia (Ryan) Ballard and Rachel (Gary) Gilin; great-nieces Kalaena and Imogen; great-nephew, Brooks; and special children: daughter, Cynthia Langley; grandchildren, Courtney and Travis Bartschie; and four great-granddaughters.
Memorial services to celebrate his life were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 26, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kemmerer, with Father Dave Erickson as the officiant. Entombment with military honors concluded services at the South Lincoln Cemetery in Kemmerer.
The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of care and support.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Ball Family Chapel of Kemmerer.
