Thomas M. Lenort Sr.

Thomas M. Lenort of Albert Lea passed away in peace and comfort on November 4, 2024 after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.  Tom was born July 31, 1936 in Wells, MN to Julius and Gertrude (Utzka) Lenort. He grew up in a large family on a farm West of Wells and that farm life was foundational for how he would live the rest of his life. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Wells. He attended country school and graduated from Wells High School in 1954.  Tom served in the US Army from 1958-1960. He was stationed in Germany with the 11th Armor Calvary. He drove a tank along the Austria/Czechoslovakia border and formed significant life-long friendships. He was deeply touched when honored for his service at the Albert Lea VFW in October 2023. The auxiliary presented him a handmade quilt of valor in the colors of the American flag which he has had proudly displayed in his living room.  Tom was united in marriage to Georgene Tukua on July 7, 1962 at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church in Wells, MN. They bought a hobby farm in Clark’s Grove and Tom invested his time and skill in several renovations and additions to accommodate the 3 children they were blessed with – Ronda, Tom Jr. and Jason. They lived on and loved that farm for 55 years, tending animals, growing food, watching sunrises, relaxing in the back yard, having happy hours and living a good and simple life. People marveled at Tom’s talent for mowing the pasture in a perfect and meticulous diagonal.  After attending Austin Vocational School to learn the craft of carpentry, he worked for several construction companies. He later went into partner-ship with Roger Schultz and they built many homes and commercial buildings around Freeborn County. He was most proud of starting his own business, Lenort Construction, with his son Jason and they worked together, side by side for 19 years. Certainly the job that was most meaningful to Tom was remodeling St. Theodore’s Church where he was a parishioner for most of his life.  Tom was active as a 4-H leader and softball coach and served on the board of the Trades and Labor Credit Union. He volunteered on the maintenance commission at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church and was a regular Sunday morning usher. He was active in the Knights of Columbus where he was a 3rd and 4th degree member and served as Grand Knight. He volunteered his time at the Freeborn County Fair and The Big Island Rendezvous and valued being engaged in his community in these ways.  Tom enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, playing horse shoe, competing in corn hole and spending time with his buddies. Many mornings he joined his dear friend and neighbor Ted Hellie in the shop to share a pot of coffee and discuss the crops, precipitation and whatever else seemed appropriate. The two of them determined that the most beautiful sight they had ever seen was the road between Manchester and the Freeborn Golf Course. Tom was proud of his asparagus patch and tomato garden and was certain he made the best pot of chili ever.  He and Georgene loved to socialize with their many dear friends, dance to polka and waltz tunes and listen to country music. A favorite country singer is his nephew Dunnell Lenort and they attended and enjoyed many of his performances. Together they canned thousands of jars of salsa, sauerkraut, beets, dilly beans and tomatoes and shared them generously. He eagerly awaited the sweet corn season and enjoyed cooking up a big pot of sweet corn to share. He loved to gather with the Klocek family to make sausage and keep that long Lenort family tradition alive. Tom appreciated Lenort/Utzka family gathering with games, prizes and an impressive potluck which consistently included fried chicken, baked beans, sweet corn, potato salad and Special K bars. He valued time with his seven grandchildren, took interest in their lives and was so proud of every one of them.  Tom will be long remembered for the twinkle in his eye and his signature impish grin. He had a contagious sense of humor, wore the lampshade at many parties and had a gift for adding levity to the moment.  He was preceded in death by his parents Julius and Gertrude, twin sisters Mary and Monica, sisters Margaret (George) Staloch, Catherine (Ray) Klocek, Rose (Jerry) Jorgenson and Bernadette (Roland) Feist, brothers Ed, Mark (Rose) Lenort, George (Bonnie) Lenort, Robert (Corrinne) Lenort, Jim Lenort and many other extended family members and dear friends.

Thomas M. Lenort Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Georgene, daughter Ronda (Peter) Flaherty of Plainfield, VT, son Thomas Jr. of Clarks Grove and son Jason Lenort and partner Melanie Johnson of Clarks Grove. His pride and joy were 7 grandchildren and one great grand-daughter who will carry forth wonderful memories of Grandpa and will miss him dearly- Emma Flaherty of Northeast Harbor, ME, Zack Flaherty of Denver, CO, Jameson Flaherty of Burlington, VT, Cole (Caitlin) Lenort of Geneva, Ross Lenort of Prior Lake, Trevor Lenort of Billings, MT, Keira Lenort (studying at Marquette University), and great grand-daughter Collins Kate Lenort of Geneva.  He is also survived by sisters-in law Bernice Lenort of Wells, Jan Lenort of Walters and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.  Tom’s family will welcome guests at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation in Albert Lea from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday, November 10, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 11, 2024 at St. Theodore Catholic Church; visitation will begin one hour prior.