Reo Joseph Zentz

Reo Joseph Zentz passed away of natural causes on September 25, 2026, in Molina, Colorado. He was born on March 6, 1935, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and lived a life marked by skillful hands, quick wit, deep loyalty, and an easy friendship that drew people to him. He was, in every sense, a man who knew how to build, restore, repair, and encourage—someone remembered as having lots of friends and no enemies.

Reo graduated from Palmer High School in Colorado Springs and went on to complete two years of community college there, studying business and marketing and earning a 4.3 GPA. He also served his country in the Army, spending two years in Germany. Those experiences became part of the steady foundation of a life defined by discipline, curiosity, and a willingness to take on whatever work or challenge was before him.

For many years, Reo worked as a motorcycle and automotive mechanic. He was often described as a “jack of all trades,” and those who knew him understood how true that was. He had a gift for figuring things out, for working with both patience and precision, and for bringing worn machinery back to life. Restoring motorcycles and building cars were not simply hobbies to him; they were lasting passions. His talent and dedication were recognized through multiple trophies in motorcycle events and car shows, accomplishments that reflected both his craftsmanship and the pride he took in doing things well.

That same care and determination were evident at home. Reo restored and added onto a log cabin—built in 1886—that became home for him and his wife Anita for 42 years. It stood as a reflection of the life they built together: enduring, hands-on, and full of character.

He will also be remembered for the sayings that made those around him smile and instantly brought his voice to mind: “glad you got to see me,” “reindeer waiting in the snow,” “first 100 is the hardest,” “okie dokie no more jokie,” “this is the hot dog deal,” “I hesitate to articulate,” and “what are you going to be when you grow up.” These familiar expressions, repeated over the years, became part of the family’s shared language and part of the warmth he leaves behind.

Reo is survived by his wife, Anita Zentz; his sons, Brian (Linda) Zentz and Tracy (Brenda)  Zentz;,  He also leaves his granddaughter, Angelica Kohl; his grandson, Devin Zentz; and step-grandchildren Amber Bradish and Kevin Fischer. He is further survived by his sister, Crystal Fox, and her husband, James Fox, as well as his niece Becky. In the lives of his family, he leaves the memory of a man who could make things run, make people laugh, and make a home feel strong and welcoming.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patty, and by his paaents,Reo Sylvester Zentz &  Agnes Elizabeth (Syme) Zentz.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Mesa Community Center, 48973 KE Rd, Mesa, Colorado 81643.

Reo Joseph Zentz will be remembered with affection and gratitude—for his hard work, his mechanical gifts, his sayings, his trophies, his service, and the many years of life and love he shared with those around him. His memory remains in the stories retold, the laughter he inspired, and the things he built to last.