Published 5:44 am Thursday, November 7, 2024 By Submitted 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 tal.
