C. Thos. Francis Lenartson

Charles Thomas Francis Lenartson, age 92, of Brookfield, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the home of his middle daughter, Ann Jeannette Lenartson, surrounded by his loving family. At his side were his daughter Mary LaNita Lenartson (Hosso), son Charles Patrick Lenartson, former spouse Faydette (Hamilton) Lenartson, and granddaughter Katherine Anne Hosso.

Born on November 15, 1933, at Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago, Charles was a true homegrown son of Brookfield. He was the son of Charles Roy Lenartson and Virginia Mary (Hull/Neiner) Lenartson and brother to Lois Mary Lenartson (Nyce) and Macktavish Lenartson.

Charles was a proud graduate of St. Rita High School. He continued his education at College of DuPage and the University of Chicago, where he earned a Master’s Degree through the University’s Executive Program. He was also a longtime parishioner of St. Barbara Parish in Brookfield.

Charles’ lifelong dream was to serve in the military. He proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and served for eight years, through 1961, attaining the rank of Corporal (E-4), a non-commissioned officer. During his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. His pride in his military service was deeply rooted in his family history. His family included members who served in the Army during both World War I and World War II, including four uncles who were at Pearl Harbor and survived that historic day.

Throughout his working life, Charles held a variety of positions that reflected his intelligence, dedication, and curiosity. He worked full-time for the Brookfield Postal Service as a mail carrier, later worked as an industrial engineer for Motorola, and spent time in the Business Department at Queensway.

While Charles accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest passion was his family. He treasured the people he loved and the memories they made together. He also had a lifelong love of trains and proudly collected N-gauge trains. He enjoyed attending air shows and car shows and had a deep affection for animals. Having grown up with dogs and a rabbit, his love for animals continued throughout his life. During high school, he even raised pigeons in cages that had originally been used during World War I.

Charles will be remembered as a proud Marine, a devoted family man, a lifelong Brookfield resident, and a man whose many interests reflected his appreciation for history, service, family, and the world around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

“God Needed You More”

God saw you getting tired 

And a cure was not to be 

So He put His arms around you And whispered, 

“Come with Me.”

May Charles rest peacefully, surrounded by the love and memories of his family and friends.