Robert Lenartz

Lenartz, Robert
LCDR Robert F. Lenartz USN, Ret, died early Friday morning from mesothelioma related causes. Born in Salt Lake City March 31 1930, Bob spent much of his youth in Utah and Idaho, graduating from Grace High School. In 1950, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a seaman recruit and twenty-four years later retired as a lieutenant commander. Bob became a founding member of this country's nuclear powered submarine fleet serving on the USS Seawolf (SSN 575) and as a commissioning crew member of the USS Skipjack (SSN 585). Living the life of a career military man meant there were many stops for him and his family, with one of the first being in West Milton, NY where he met his wife of nearly 55 years, Dorothy Dohig. There was a stay in New London, CT and a two year Polynesian adventure in Guam, before he culminated his naval career in 1974 at the Charleston Naval Shipyard. In his post military career Bob was employed by Bechtel Power constructing several nuclear power facilities. However, his civilian career was cut short by bladder cancer in 1983 which led to a premature retirement in Vernal, UT. Bob was a skilled electrician, carpenter, and gardener who transformed his Vernal home into a beautifully landscaped orchard. Another of his loves was the family cabin at Flaming Gorge National Recreational Area where for many years he enjoyed hunting and fishing and its majestic vast wilderness. Yet one of Bob's greater loves was his Catholic faith which served as a cornerstone for the many challenges he faced throughout his life. He is survived by his wife Dot (Queen Creek, AZ); his three sons Bob and spouse Patty (Brooklyn, NY), Bill and spouse Josie (Augusta, GA), and John (New York City); two brothers Jim (Oregon City, OR), John (Rigby, ID), and sister Suzanne Deshayes (Sterling, CO), as well as four grandchildren. He was a thoroughly honest man, faithful husband, devoted father, and loyal friend who will be greatly missed. Visitation will be at Queen of Heaven Mortuary, 1562 East Baseline Road, Mesa, Tues, November 30 4-8 pm with a rosary recited at 7 pm; Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, 20615 E Ocotillo Rd, Queen Creek, Wed, Dec 1, 10 am. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA at a date to be determined. Donations in his name can be made at catholiccharitiesusa.org. Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Mortuary.