Trending
April 18, 1978-Oct. 3, 2026
Minot
Aaron Michael Lentz, 48, of Minot, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle against cancer.
Aaron was born on April 18, 1978, to parents Virgil and Mary (Marquardt) Lentz at St. Joseph's hospital in Minot. He was raised and educated in Bottineau, ND, where he was very active in 4H Club and outdoor activities as a young boy. Aaron's family moved to Minot in 1992, which moved Aaron to Surrey High School. He graduated in 1997.
After graduating, Aaron enrolled at Bismarck State College, where he completed Lineman school. Following his education, he began working as a lineman for four years. Aaron married the love of his life, Traci Haugerud, in Las Vegas in 2003. They made their home in Minot, and were blessed with three wonderful children: Derry, Samantha, and Kyle.
In June of 2003, Aaron began a career as a Journey Wireman with the local electrical union IBEW 55. He later transferred over to local IBEW 714 in 2008, where he remained until he was medically unable to continue working. Throughout his career, Aaron enjoyed working all over the state, sometimes even on jobsites in Montana or Minnesota to complete projects. He was very highly thought of by all his friends and co-workers in the union and served on the IBEW 714 Executive Board for several years.
Outside of work, Aaron was an outdoorsman through and through. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, downhill skiing, and golfing. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July, he especially enjoyed lighting off the fireworks. Aaron also enjoyed mechanical work, home renovation projects, and cooking. He was a jack of all trades. Aaron was a true adventurist and lived each day to the fullest. His most fond memories were time spent with his loving family and friends.
Aaron was an incredible role model. He was selfless and always trying to give back to others. He was also spontaneous, adventurous, a very hard-worker, and a good friend to many. When he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer – neuroendocrine cancer – in February of 2026, he faced it head on and “fought the fight.” Aaron continued to make the most of every day and stayed optimistic. He fought hard and kept going, giving it all he had and never giving up. He will be dearly missed by us all.
Aaron's loving family includes: his Wife, Traci Lentz, Minot; children, Derry (Sydney), Samantha, and Kyle Lentz, all of Minot; granddaughter, Swayze Lentz, Minot; parents, Virgil and Mary Lentz, Minot; brothers, Scott (Kim) Lentz, Minot, and Matthew (Valerie) Lentz, Minot; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Aaron was preceded in death by: his infant brother, Blaine; mother and father in-law Arlan and Harriet Haugerud, and his beloved dog, Molly Sue.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Journey Church, Minot. A link for a livestream of the service will be available on the funeral home website.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Journey Church, Minot.
Burial will take place at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
In lieu of plants and flowers, memorial donations are preferred to the family to be put toward various causes in Aaron's memory.
Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 9, 2026.