Richard C. Lennertz Sr.

Surrounded by his loving family, Richard C. Lennertz Sr., age 86, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017 at his residence. He was born in Racine, July 24, 1930, son of the late Anthony and Margaret (Nee: Regas) Lennertz.

Richard was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School “Class of 1950” and attended Marquette University. During the Korean War he proudly served his country in the United States Army as a combat zone survey expert. He was a journeyman meat cutter at age 18 and was employed as an accountant at J.I. Case Company for over twenty years. He was a member of the J.I. Case Company “20 Year Club”, Korean War Veteran’s Chapter 227, Racine Yacht Club, Kiwanis Club of Greater Racine, member and longtime board member of the Racine Zoological Society and served as a Boy Scout Leader for many years. Richard practiced his strong faith at St. Mary by the Lake Catholic Church. A special highlight of his golden years included visiting Washington D.C. twice, once with the Veteran’s Honor Roll and with the accompaniment of his two daughters for his 80th birthday. His love for the great outdoors including fishing and hunting which was shared with his brother, Don, his children and grandchildren. He will be best remembered for his profound love and devotion to his family.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Rosemary; his children, Catherine (Mark) Zlevor, Dr. Richard (Jennifer) Lennertz Jr., Lisa (Alan) Grodey; his grandchildren, Don (Kelly) Zlevor, Erik (Kate) Zlevor, Dr. Richard (Sara) Lennertz III, Ross Lennertz, Jenna (Robb) Stoner, Jack Lennertz, Will Lennertz, Molly Grodey (Andrew Morin); his great-grandchildren, Noah Richard Zlevor, Grant William Zlevor, Ivy Lennertz, Julia Stoner; sister, Antoinette (Harry) Filz; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Elaine (Donald) Svehla; special furry friend, Oliver; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald (Dolores) Lennertz; sister, Lois Menden; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ervin and Marie Sheldon; brother-in-law, Kenneth Estenson; and special Uncle Andrew Regas.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, April 11, 2017, 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s by the Lake Catholic Church, 7605 Lakeshore Drive, with Rev. Stephen Stradinger officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and Tuesday at the church from 9:00 A.M. until time of Mass at 10:00 A.M. Please offer a stranger a smile or provide an act of kindness in Richard’s memory.

The family extends a special thank you to all of his caring doctors and nurses, staff at Vitas Hospice, and Heather from Bright Star for their loving and compassionate care.

He is off fishing and hunting with his beloved brother Don. Please remember him whenever you are out enjoying nature or hear a pheasant call. Richard wishes everyone a day 2 steps beyond fabulous!