Dennis Lehnerz

Dennis Lehnerz, age 71, of Ozark, Alabama, passed away on August 17, 2026. He was born on July 17, 1955, in Denver, Colorado, and lived a life marked by faith, service, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for the simple blessings of each day.

Dennis graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Ft. Carson, Colorado, and later answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and was honorably discharged after four years of service as a tank mechanic. During his military service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, a recognition of his commitment and dedication to the nation he loved so dearly. His patriotism remained a defining part of who he was throughout his life, and he carried that sense of duty and pride with him in all that he did.

Following his military service, Dennis built a long and steady career as a Flight Mechanic at Ft. Rucker. He retired in 2021 after 20 years of faithful work with M-1. His coworkers and friends knew him as dependable, hardworking, and committed to doing the job well. He approached his work with the same determination and integrity that guided the rest of his life, and he earned the respect of those who had the privilege of knowing him professionally.

Dennis was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Ozark. His faith was an important part of his life and provided strength, comfort, and direction through every season. He was known as a man who believed deeply, loved sincerely, and lived with a spirit of gratitude. Those who knew him best will remember his adventurous nature, his loving heart, and the quiet but steady way he met life’s challenges. He loved hard and fought hard, and he never lost sight of what mattered most to him.

An outdoorsy person by nature, Dennis especially loved camping, particularly in Colorado. He found joy in the beauty of the outdoors and in the peaceful moments that came with sitting around a campfire. He appreciated the simple things in life and took pleasure in time spent with family, good conversation, and shared laughter. He also enjoyed playing dice with his family, a pastime that brought fun and togetherness to many gatherings. His life was enriched by these moments, and he treasured the memories made in their company.

Family was at the center of Dennis’s life, and he loved his family very much. He is survived by his daughter, Mandy Lehnerz; his grandchild, Shelby Lehnerz; his brother, Jim Lehnerz and Nancy; his sisters, Barbara Bradley and Therese Silvers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Elizabeth Lehnerz; his brother, Tom Lehnerz; his sister, Sharon Lightfoot; and his nieces, Lisa Bradley, Shelia Silvers, and Laura Herd. The bonds he shared with his family were strong and enduring, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 10:30am at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ozark, AL. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home from 5pm until 6pm with a Rosary and military honors to follow. He will be laid to rest in Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder, CO.