August 11, 1941 – March 10, 2026
Richard (Dick) Lenertz, 84, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Aurora Medical Center. He was born on August 11, 1941, to the late Joseph and Beatrice (Rieser) Lenertz.
Richard was a proud graduate of West Chicago Community High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University. Dick went on to teach high school science and coach tennis. He later worked for the Teletype Corporation and ultimately spent a fulfilling career of 27 years working for the US Department of Justice.
On April 25, 1970, Richard was united in marriage to Christine Paris.
Dick will be remembered as a loving, kind, and loyal man whose warmth and competitive spirit shaped the way he lived his life. He had a deep love for sports and brought enthusiasm to everything he did, whether cheering for his favorite teams or enjoying a friendly competition with family and friends. He found great joy in many activities throughout his life. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Blackhawks, and in his healthier years, enjoyed staying active through tennis and racquetball, fishing trips, time spent in the garden, and relaxing with a good game of cards, especially bridge with his Parkside friends and crossword puzzles.
God, family, and friends were Dick’s priorities. Growing up, he cherished the time he spent playing sports and sharing activities with his three brothers. He especially loved his Sunday visits with his daughter and grandson. He cherished family gatherings, including Fourth of July picnics held for many years at his uncle’s farm and later continued at his own home.
His life was guided by strong faith, resilience, and fortitude, and he approached challenges with a consistently positive attitude. His legacy lives on in the many people whose lives he touched with his kindness, devotion, and unwavering spirit.
Dick was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church.
He is survived by his loving wife and devoted caregiver, Christine Lenertz; his daughter, Jeanine (Scott) Gallagher; his grandson, Jack Gallagher; his brothers, Ed (Lee) Lenertz and Frank Lenertz, and his nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, James Lenertz.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Aurora at Home nurses, Wendy and Nicole, and home caregivers, Ana and Tatiana.
Interment will be held in St. Mary’s Calvary Cemetery on Saturday, March 21, 2026, in West Chicago, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to the Marians of Immaculate Conception (in care of the Marian Helpers Center) 2 Prospect Hill Rd., Stockbridge, MA 01262 or to Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/ would be appreciated.
Visitation
DATE:
March 20, 2026, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
St. Peter Catholic Church
2224 30th Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53144
Funeral Service
DATE:
March 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm
St. Peter Catholic Church
2224 30th Avenue, Kenosha, Wisconsin 53144
