David Louis Lenning

David Louis Lenning, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully at 90 years of age. Born at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, David lived a life defined by quiet strength, steadfast loyalty, and enduring love.

David studied electrical engineering and HVAC, which laid the foundation for a successful career. Embarking as a lineman for Bell South Telephone Company, he moved on to a nearly three-decade tenure at Honeywell as a sales engineer, where he was known for his work ethic and technical acumen.


Proudly serving his country in the United States Army, David was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, and carried the values of service and discipline with him throughout his life.


Off the clock, David was an avid hockey player and golfer. He loved watching football and could often be found teaching his children and grandchildren to swim or skate, passing on not just skills, but life lessons, instilling in all his grandchildren to be sure to “Lace up your skates really tight".


David’s charm was low-key, but ever-present. His wry chuckle, quiet generosity, and unwavering reliability left an indelible mark. To his family, he was more than dependable, he was deeply honorable, kind, and (as his wife, Mary, would cheekily remind us) very good-looking.


One treasured memory: David never threw out a hockey stick. After playing in local leagues where his sticks took a beating, he’d bring them home, tape and trim them, and save them in the garage. Neighborhood kids would wait for the pond to freeze, then look for David in the garage, hopeful for one of his lovingly refurbished sticks. He was always glad to pass them on.


His legacy is stitched together in the lives he touched, through the lessons he taught, the games he played, and the family he built and cherished. He was, and always will be, a lineman for the heart.

He was preceded in death by his father, Conrad Lenning; mother, Esther Hultgren; brother, Earl Lenning; sister, Darlene Kehr; uncle, Walter Lenning; and aunt, Dorothy Lenning.


David is survived by his loving wife of seventy years, Mary Lenning, whom describes him as “the most wonderful man in the world". He also leaves behind his children: son, Rick Lenning and daughters, Deborah Nemeth and Robin Garnick; as well as, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whose lives were better for his loving guidance and wry humor.