-------- Original Message -------- Subject: [GV] Billings, MT Obituary Robert A Lenhardt From: Gen406bmt@aol.com To: GER-VOLGA-L@rootsweb.com Robert A. Lenhardt Robert Adolph Lenhardt, 77, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2002, at the Parkview Care Center, from complications arising from viral pneumonia. He was born on April 25, 1924, to Adolph E. and Emma (Scheidt) Lenhardt, was baptized and confirmed his Christian faith at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and was a longtime member of American Lutheran Church. Robert and his late wife, Elsa Mae (Teigen) raised their family and farmed west of Billings for 52 years. Robert was a strong role model for his children, nephews and nieces, a reliable and trustworthy neighbor, and an active advocate for farmers and ranchers statewide. Born in the family home at 72nd Street West, Robert learned to speak German from his Russian-German parents and grandparents. He attended Elder Grove School, Lincoln High School and the newly opened Billings (Senior) High School. He loved sharing stories of his early years - riding horses to school, playing games and sports with his many cousins, and farming with his father and grandfather. After high school, Robert developed a love for the game of baseball and played on several local fast-pitch softball teams. With Robert as catcher, brother Ed as shortstop and Ray Strecker as pitcher, their team played in several state tournaments. He was very proud of being inducted into the Billings Fast-pitch Hall of Fame. In February 1950, Robert saw a beautiful woman in a red dress at a dance at the YWCA, and asked a friend to introduce him. They began a courtship that night which continued throughout their lives. Robert and Elsa were married on July 30, 1950. A trip to the Montana Legislature with his father-in-law in the 1950s prompted a lifelong interest in politics. Robert enjoyed political debate, with young and old alike, and was always eager to discuss current events. He had a deep and abiding love for the land, this country and the freedoms he enjoyed as an American. In many ways, his life was defined by the service he provided his family, his community and country. His life of service began as a member and later a leader of the Hesper Hustlers 4-H Club. Later, he served as President of the Yellowstone County Farm Bureau, Board Member of the Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance Company and State Director for the Montana Farm Bureau Federation. He was an active member of the American Lutheran Church, where he served as president of the church council. He was chairman of the Yellowstone County Air Pollution Control Board and was appointed to several terms on the Yellowstone County Planning Board and the Yellowstone County Zoning Commission. He held several offices in the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee and was a Reagan delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1980. After retirement, Gov. Stan Stephens appointed him to serve on the Montana Tax Reform Committee. Robert was also a member of Billings Lodge #113 A.F.& A.M, the Billings Scottish Rite, Friendship Chapter OES and the Al Bedoo Shrine Temple. Survivors include daughter Lorraine and husband Nestor Newman, and children Allida Mae and Erik Nestor, of Bellingham, Wash.; daughter Janice and husband Dennis Rehberg, and children A. Jackson, Katie Teigen and Elsie Patricia, of Billings and Washington, D.C.; and son Allan of the family home west of Billings. He is also survived by his brother Ed and wife Muriel Lenhardt; his sister Marjorie and husband Bill Lackman, all of Billings; and many much loved nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sister Marion. Memorials may be made to the American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Avenue, Billings, MT 59101, or the Rural Ministry Endowment Fund, c/o Gerry Rafftery, Luther Seminary, 2481 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday March 1, at the American Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses at Billings Deaconess Hospital who were so comforting during Robert's last hospital stay, and most especially the WONDERFUL skilled nursing staff and caring aids at Parkview Care Center whose tender care made Robert's last days so peaceful. Michelotti- Sawyers Mortuary has charge of arrangements.