David J. Lenhart

David Lenhart, 66, lifelong resident of Warren, died on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

David was born on August 11, 1957, in Warren, to Lloyd and Violet (Simpson) Lenhart. He was raised in town, graduating from Warren High School in 1975. A year later, David began his 27-year career with Burlington Northern Railroad. His work took him all around the region, fixing track and keeping trains running smoothly. On September 9, 1978, David was united in marriage to Geraldine Jablinske in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Grand Forks. The two made their lives together in Warren and raised two children.

In his free time he enjoyed snowmobiling; spending time at his lake cabin with family, extended family and friends; tinkering in his garage; building model cars; and helping the neighbors with yardwork. David liked his yard neat, his hair and nails just-so, but couldn't care less about the state of his clothes. You might see him driving “his baby,” a Mustang GT, around town while wearing a shirt made mostly of holes. He will be remembered for his love of life, his fondness for jokes, and his joy in giving his loved ones silly nicknames. His daughter (and later, all girls) became “Geeez,” his son (and later all boys) became “Critter;” in addition to many other nicknames and inside jokes that made him smile.

In 2003, David retired from BNSF to take care of some back and kidney problems. His illnesses continued to pile up, including bouts with esophageal cancer, a collapsed lung, and so on. But through it all, he fought tremendously in order to spend more time with his family- the true passion of his life. He was a father figure to his granddaughter and, despite the increasingly common pains he suffered, gave of himself to others without asking much in return.

He will be missed as a husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother in law, friend, neighbor, and warrior.

David is survived by his wife, Geraldine; daughter, Tanya (Nathan) Swartz; son, Michael ( Jamie) Lenhart; grandchildren, Taylor, Hannah, Autum, Austin, Olivia, Kinnley, and Xavier; great-granddaughter, Hayveen; and brother, Timothy Lenhart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Violet; and brother, James.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Thursday, November 2, 2023, 2:00 PM, in Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Warren, MN.
VISITATION: One hour prior to Mass.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Friday, November 3, 2023, at 1:00 PM, in Resurrection Cemetery, East Grand Forks, MN.

To watch a video of David’s Mass of Christian Burial, please click the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/DuBoreFuneralHome/videos/663375779272648