Ronald P. Lenert

PHOENIX – Ronald P. Lenert, 88, of Phoenix, AZ died peacefully on March 17, 2022 at Acacia Health Center in Phoenix. He was born in Aurora, IL on January 15, 1934 to John and Lillian Lenert. Ronald graduated from Marmion Academy in Aurora, and studied General Engineering on a scholarship at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX where he graduated with his B.S. in 1955. He married Rosemary (Millen) on June 15, 1955 in Aurora and over the next 53 years they traveled widely. A 33-year career in the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation arena took them to Alaska, Arizona, and Maryland. During his time in Maryland, working at Aberdeen Proving Ground, he earned an M.A. in Administration (Management Engineering) from George Washington University in 1972. He was a member and often the director and president of various professional engineering associations, and his colleagues respected his “enlightened leadership and practical common sense.” Upon his retirement, in 1989 he and Rosemary moved to Scottsdale, AZ where Ronald earned a J.D. at the University of Arizona in 1993. He practiced law part-time and became deeply engaged in genealogical research, documenting his and Rosemary’s family roots in Luxembourg and reconnecting with family there. Ronald dedicated his life to his family, the U.S. Army, and the Catholic Church. After Rosemary’s death in 2008 he spent time with family, grandchildren and granddogs. He remained a voracious reader and lifelong learner, and generously shared his considerable talents to help those around him. He and Rosemary were blessed with three children: John, Katherine, and Michael. Ronald is survived by Katherine (Clifton) Simmons and Michael (Deborah) Lenert; and two grandchildren (Benjamin and Ella). He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary, and his son, John, in 2007; his sister, Lillian Michels, in 2017; his parents John and Lillian Lenert; and his older brother, Jackie, who died in childhood. Ronald will be interred at St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix, AZ with his wife, Rosemary. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.