Lenkman, Frederick Ivan

Frederick Ivan Lenkman

February 19, 1931- August 23, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and grandfather, Fred Lenkman. Born in south St. Louis, MO in 1931, the oldest of three children, to Marjorie and Milton Lenkman.   He joined the Air Force as a young man, a few years after high school graduation.  It was while stationed in London in the early 1950’s, that he met the love of his life, Sheila Overton.  They met one night at a dance hall, and fell in love.  Fred headed home to St. Louis in 1955 and Sheila followed him a year later. They married in St. Louis in June of 1957. They settled in an apartment in the city of St. Louis, where their first two children were born, Tom and Eileen.  A new ranch house, bought with the GI Loan program, in Spanish Lake, was the next stop.  Fred Junior and Margie were born there.  A few years later, with another baby on the way, they bought a large old house in Ferguson, just in time for Sheila Junior to be born.  This was to be their home for many years.

Fred worked in accounting for Missouri Pacific Railroad, in the early years of his marriage. He spent the majority of his working career, however,   at Emerson Electric, working with various jobs in the company’s transportation department.

Fred and Sheila retired to St. Charles and moved a few times, eventually downsizing to a retirement community in St. Peters.  Fred spent his time reading, watching old movies and baseball games, playing card games, and learning to play golf with his friends.  He played on a Shuffleboard team at his retirement community for several years, helping to win several tournaments.  He learned to help his wife, by doing some wirework for her jewelry business. He made matching intricate silver chain link bracelets for himself, his wife, and his daughters.  Sheila passed away in 2021 after 63 years of marriage. Fred enjoyed the last years of his life surrounded by his family, playing board games and drinking Dr. Pepper, while living with his daughter Eileen.

Fred is survived by his children Tom (Lou), Eileen, Fred Jr (Patty), Margie Harper (Eric), Sheila Jr (Scott Corwin), and grandchildren Kevin, Sarah, Nick (Miriam), Brendan and Ethan; sister Carole Edwards (Bill), sister-in-law Mary Lou Lenkman and their children and grandchildren. Fred’s younger brother Milton preceded him in death in 2022.

Visitation at Kutis South County Chapel 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Friday September 15, 11:30 am until service at 12:30 pm. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.