Charles W. Lenhardt
Marriages
Laura Hamann - December 28, 1964
Obituaries
The Daily Sentinel page 6B - October 23, 2022
Charles W. Lenhardt, a
longtime resident of Grand
Junction, died peacefully
on Friday, September 30,
2022 under the loving care
of Hopewest Hospice. His
wife Laura and beloved
dog, Mike, were at his bedside. He was 80 years old.
“Chuck” was born in Fort Morgan, CO on August
12,1942. The second of five children of Harold and
Ellen Lenhardt, Chuck grew up on his family farm. His
fondest memories were of adventures riding horseback
with neighboring farm friends on the wide-open Eastern
plains and fields. You can take the man off the farm but
its hard to take the farm out of the man.
After graduating from Fort Morgan High School,
Chuck deepened his understanding of agriculture at
Colorado State University, studying chemistry and
agronomy for his undergraduate degree.
Although they both grew up in Fort Morgan, Chuck
didn’t meet his future wife, Laura Hamann, until one
summer between his junior and senior year of college
when they both worked on the pickle docks for the H.J.
Heinz company. They were married December 28,
1964, after hegraduated college.
In the years leading up to the Vietnam War, Chuck
enlisted in the Air Force in 1965 and attended weather
school. He was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany for
three years. Living off base in Plattenhardt, they lived
off the economy and became fluent in German.
During this time, he and Laura extensively traveled
throughout Europe. Their favorite destination being dry,
sunny Spain and skiing the Swiss Alps as the climate
and scenery of both reminded them of Colorado.
Upon returning to the US, he joined the Agricultural
Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) of
Agriculture, an agency of the US Department of
Agriculture which later became part of the Farm Service
Agency. Chuck served as a county executive director for
Kit Carson county, and a specialist at the State office in
Denver. He was advanced to District Director for the
western slope countries.
He and Laura relocated to Grand Junction where they
bought a farm house with acreage and majestic views of
Colorado National Monument. He retired in 1992.
Throughout his life, Chuck found enjoyment in music,
nature, and traveling. He was an accomplished pianist,
having taken lessons from ages 6 to until a young adult.
When he turned 16 years old, his parents offered to buy
him a car or a Hammond spinet organ. Chuck chose
the organ. He enjoyed a range of music, from pop, to
classics and occasionally county music. His largest
audience was for attendees at the Colorado State Fair.
Chuck gardened almost daily and was known for
his tomatoes and peppers. He also enjoyed restoring
tractors and classic Volvos. An outdoorsman, Chuck
enjoyed boating and fishing. His favorite trips were
to Lake Powell, the San Juan Islands and the British
Virgin Islands with his boating friends.
He and Laura enjoyed travel to Alaska, Mexico, Costa
Rica, Ecuador, Peru, the Amazon , Galapagos Islands
and a memorable trip to Machu Picchu .
Chuck is predeceased by his parents and oldest bother,
Hugh. He survived by wife, Laura; sister, Gaynelle and
Paul Jensen (Wilsonville, OR); sister, Barb and Gary
Frihauf and brother, Larry and Dianne Lenhardt. (All
of Fort Morgan, CO).
A family celebration will be held at a later date in Fort
Morgan.
Memorial contributions can be made to HopeWest
Hospice or the Roice-Hurst Humanesociety.
“Life is journey to be shared with those you love.
Each day is gift to open, appreciate and enjoy.’ - Laura
Lenhardt
