Winthrop C. Lenz ’28

WIN LENZ DIED Feb. 21, 1994, at the Princeton Medical Center, after a long illness and confinement to his home at Meadow Lakes Retirement Community in Hightstown, N.J. He prepared at Barr H.S. in Newark. At Princeton, he majored in history, played on the tennis team, and was a member of Terrace Club. His leadership abilities were demonstrated early - he served as president of his high school class and as president of Terrace Club.

After graduation, he entered the investment field with E. A. Pierce, which merged with Merrill Lynch in 1940. Win was in the navy from 1944-46 in the Chicago regional office and became a lt. commander in the naval reserve. He rejoined Merrill Lynch and was made a partner in 1947. He helped Merrill Lynch to become one of the nation’s leaders in investment banking. He served as v.p., sr. v.p., and executive v.p., and as chairman of the executive committee. He retired in 1974.

Win married Lila Fowler Southard in 1936. She predeceased him, as did his daughter Henrietta. Three children survive, twins Charles W. and Lila B., and Robert, as do four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Win twice served as president of the class, from 1953-58 and from 1983-88, and inspired various new class activities, including the annual spring picnic at the Lenz Tennis Center (which Win and Lila donated to the university). He was extremely generous, devoted to Princeton, and was a leader whom his classmates will not forget.