Obituary: Lenhart, Charles H.
Age 84
His physical strength slowly diminished over his last 25 years due to Parkinson’s disease but his mental acuity remained.
He could get a laugh from most with a witty comeback and could direct attention to his caregivers, Lee Clark and Estella, his wife, of his wants and needs.
Chuck was born to Ethel (Lenhart) Shultz and Floyd Lenhart on January 23, 1930, in Wenatchee, WA, where he spent most of his childhood.
At 17, he left school with his mother’s consent to join the Army in 1947, where he served for 20 years, retiring as Sergeant First Class, a veteran of the Korean War.
He met his wife at his step-mother’s house and married Hollis in 1952.
They had six children during their travels; Floyd Lenhart (Beth), Alicia Barnett (Tim), Douglas Lenhart (Carole), James Lenhart (Alma), Deana Oudeans, Betty Hendergart (David).
They and their spouses survive him.
The service took him to Japan, Africa, Okinawa, Korea and several places in the U.S.
While in Asmara, Africa, James and Deana were born.
Chuck and Hollis became proficient bowlers.
Chuck also went on safari, participated in road rally and stock car racing.
Upon retiring, Chuck partnered with his Uncle Slim Epperson, to plant a cherry orchard and alfalfa in Tarpiscan.
The stories of the family’s adventures of farming while living in primitive conditions are told at every gathering.
Both Chuck and Hollis worked, he at the Post Office and Sugg’s Tires to make ends meet.
The family moved into Wenatchee in February 1969.
The VA offered Chuck a chance to go to college, which he did, graduating in three years with honors in Special Education and with a Master’s Degree later.
His marriage of 21 years came to an end.
Working in Kennewick, WA, teaching 3rd to 8th grades, he taught from 1972 to 1991.
While there, he met and married Estella in May, 1973.
They spent summers exploring the U.S., while visiting relatives and friends and every fall made church related trips to many countries.
Chuck regretted that the only continent he missed was Antarctica.
But he had lived, worked, visited or set foot in at least 29 countries.
Chuck had many talents and interests, but his family was his top priority.
So, soon after his retirement from teaching, a move was made back to Wenatchee, where the last 15 years included the four children and spouses living here plus two just a couple of hours away.
He was a Seattle Mariner and Seahawk fan and a “closet” Green Bay Packer fan.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years; six children; two step-sons, Chandler Hirsch (Kelly) and Chester Hirsch; sisters, Betty Musgrave, Dee Guglielmelli (Joe), Irene Wehle, Susan Myslivy (Ed) and Louise Langford; brother, John Lenhart (Jan); heart daughters, Belinda Knapton and Sherry McClure.
A brother, Ben Lenhart, and his parents preceded Chuck in death.
He was truly loved and adored by his 18 grandchildren and great-grandkids, who looked forward to his special words - ratafrats, rinkadink and doogenwacker.
This short bio cannot begin to describe the soul, the essence of this man who was so blessed with a loving family and friends.
He led a life full of faith in our loving Father which sustained him throughout the frustrating years of managing Parkinson’s and related ills.
He was a member of the Church of God (Fellowship) for 40 years and was greatly loved by his church family.
A Memorial to honor his life will be held January 12, 2015, 1 p.m. at Eastmont Community Church, 783 4th St. NE, East Wenatchee.
A donation in his memory may be made to Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, 400 Mercer St., Ste 502, Seattle, WA 98109.
Services will be postponed if roads are not passable.