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Ronald Lenker Obituary
Ronald A. Lenker, 70, of Harrisburg, exited this life November 24, 2014 to begin his next adventure. A Harrisburg native, he is the son of A. Winifred Lenker and the late William Arch Lenker.
Ron attended Shimmel Elementary, Edison Junior High, the former John Harris High School Class of 1961, HACC, and Penn State Capital Campus. At HACC, he was Student Government Assn. President and was named to the 1969 edition of Who's Who in Junior Colleges. He was US Air Force Veteran during the Vietnam Era.
Ron was a natural salesman, beginning his career as a young teenager selling home products door-to-door and continuing on to automobiles, safety equipment, advertising specialties, kitchens, hydraulic pumps, and prior to retirement, real estate. Although always having a good time and being the life of any party, Ron deeply appreciated tradition and ritual.
He was Past President of Bellevue Park Assn., member of Perseverance Lodge 21 F&AM, Redmen Cornplanters Tribe 61, where he served as Sachem, and an Officer and past Exulted Ruler of Harrisburg Elks Lodge 12 for 18 years. In 2011-2012, he served as President of PA State Elks Assn. and was an Advisory Board Member at the time of his passing.
In addition to his mother, Ron is survived by his loving wife, Nina (LiBrandi) Lenker; brother, Jay A. Lenker (Karen); children, David Colestock (Julie), Anthony Colestock (Melissa), Gina Parson (Jared), Lara Colestock (Peter), and Stepanie Beach (Patrick); 10 grandchildren, Justina, Luca, Amias, Isabella, Scarlett, Lillianna, Lena, Caroline, Mia and Sage; dear cousins, Jack Lenker (Nancylee), Ed Snell (Karen), their families, nieces, nephew, other cousins, extended family, and many dear and long-time friends.
Ron's family extends heartfelt thanks to VNA of Central PA, Crossings Hospice, and to Sue, Cathy, Brenda, Maria, Cindy, Mary and Nancy.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 from 10:00 am until 12 Noon in Fackler-Wiedeman Funeral Home, 2253 Derry St., Harrisburg, immediately followed by Masonic and Elks Services, and concluded by a Celebration of Life (Sharing Time). Inurnment with military honors on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 11:00 am in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harrisburg Elks Lodge No. 12 (Charity Fund), 2201 Woodlawn St., Harrisburg, PA 17104 or VNA of Central PA, 3315 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17111.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Lenker
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December 25, 2014
December 25, 2014
Dear Nina, we just learned of Ron passing and so sorry for your loss. Ron was one of the best people I ever knew in my life. He was very generous with his time always helping others and me. Our friendship began at HACC. We became friends as we had the same interests and belonged to the same schools and associations, including Who's Who in Junior Colleges. We were both US Air Force Veterans and we both belonged to the XGI Fraternity and served on the Student Senate. Ron was the Best Man at my Wedding. We kept in touch through all these years and when I would come back to PA, I would always come and see him. He also recently helped me renew my membership to the Elks. Ron and I were very close, he will always have place in my heart. May he rest in peace.
Bonnie & Dave Brubaker
Carole Thompson-Kennedy
December 23, 2014
Many condolences to the family. I remember a very outgoing friendly Ronnie well growing up on "The Hill." RIP Ronnie!
December 17, 2014
Ron was one of the best people I ever knew in my life, may he rest in peace. He was very generous with his time and friendship.
December 17, 2014
Dear Nina & Family, I just learned of Ron's passing. My memory of Ron is that of a man with a ready smile and a hearty chuckle. Thank you both for welcoming us when we joined the Bellevue Park family (again). My heart is warmed by the memory of Ron, reading his paper in the garden, bidding us a Good Morning as we took the dog for his stroll. What a guy! Elli joins me in sending condolences. Best to you always and CHEERS! to Ron, Lou Colon
December 3, 2014
Nina
We are so very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I know that he suffered so much and fought with all his heart. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by all. Please know that our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Carl & Ann Mooney, Barboursville, WV
Angela Bell
December 2, 2014
Ron had a wonderful, warm personality and always extended himself to make everyone comfortable--that included my parents, family members (all those inherited cousins!), and the little ones. I will remember him for his graciousness and the way he embraced our whole crazy tribe. Love to you, Nina, Winnie, and Jay, from all of us. Angela sb
Todd Spare
December 2, 2014
Ron was a member of the JHHS Class of 61 and a good friend. He was able to light up a room with his smile. We are all sorry for his passing, but hope that he has found peace.
Brenda Pera and Tim Gesford
December 2, 2014
Nina,
We were so sorry to learn of Ron's passing. He was a terrific person and one that was so supportive of me. My debt of gratitude for both of you is never-ending. May he rest easy until we join him one day. God bless you and your family at this time of loss.
Skee Derr
December 2, 2014
To the family of Ronald A. Lenker
We are sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of Ronald. We hope you will find peace and strength in your faith, family and friends at this time of loss.
Would a member of the family at a later time please REGISTER Ronald so he will also be honored and remembered in the HISTORICAL PRESERVATION RECORD of those who attended JOHN HARRIS HIGH SCHOOL, as he was a cherished member of the graduating PIONEER Class of 1961.
Please go to www.johnharrishighschool.ORG and submit the information for RONALD using the REGISTER page. Please register all other family members who attended Harris as well, Father William Arch Lenker-1935 JUNE and any one living or deceased, to be included.
God Bless…..JHHS Classmates
John McCarthy
December 2, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
December 1, 2014
Nina, I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Both of you have been through so much for many years, his suffering is over. I pray that, with God's help, you will heal in heart and mind. Ron was a great guy, I will always remember him that way. God Bless you and the family during this trying time.
Your cousin Sondra
Parker Lerew
November 29, 2014
Nina....I know you and I had only met a few brief times but Ron was an almost every day occurrence when we worked together in real estate. He was always one for stories and he loved keeping things lively. The more we talked, I found we had a lot in common and connections to the same people. I will never forget his presence, just coming into my office, taking a seat, and starting to talk! He was a joy to be around. My sympathy goes out to you and your family. I'll be praying for strength for you through his absence and your loneliness as I have been through his latest illnesses. I will miss him and his mischievous smile!
Karen (Robison) Fraser
November 29, 2014
Nina, so very sorry to learn of Ron's passing. May he be at peace and GOD bless his soul. Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Ron and I went all through our school years together and I remember so many good/fun times in reflection.
November 29, 2014
Nina, So very, very sorry. I can still see Ron in this Air Force uniform back in the "old" days at Tony's & Millie's Pizza. I will always love ya both.
George Marisic, Harrisburg, PA
November 28, 2014
Ron: Here's to all the good times...love ya....Tony
Truman Sonny Crist
November 28, 2014
Sorry to hear of the loss of Ron. Condolences to family and friends.
Sandy Miller
November 28, 2014
Nina,
I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I enjoyed our time together at some of the Elks conventions. The Elks has lost a great man. My prayers are with you at this sad time.
Carol Hubler
November 27, 2014
Nina, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and my heartfelt condolences to you and your family!
November 27, 2014
Nina,
Thanks for letting me know about Ron's passing during our call today. We go back to Carol visiting, going to reunions together, sharing good times at the Lodge
and being good friends. Ron will be remembered for his interest in people through work such as his Pennsylvania Lodge presidency. Sending my love and sympathy to you and your families.
Ike
Nancy Lambert Fulk
November 27, 2014
Nina & family,
I am so sorry to read of Ron's passing, it was always a pleasure to be in the company of you two and he was always very pleasant.
My heart is heavy for you and I will keep you in my prayers during your time of sorrow. Love and hugs...
Dona Beshore
November 27, 2014
My sincere sympathies to the family to hear of his sad passing.
Bob Edmonson
November 27, 2014
Nina, I am shocked and saddened to read of Ron's passing. What times we had playing tennis with all the gang in the 80's and 90's...memories I will carry in my heart forever. Ron was a good friend and always had great stories of you and the kids. God be with you all at the time.
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