Frederick Karl Lenhart Sr., 92, of Crestwood, passed away peacefully at Bethesda Dilworth on August 11, 2026.
Fred was born in Clay Center, Kansas, on September 7, 1933, to Karl and Freda (Schmale) Lenhart. Fred was a family man, a teacher, and life-long learner. He taught by example to love, respect, listen to and learn from every person. His love of learning started in a one room schoolhouse. He was still actively teaching and learning up to the end of his life, sharing stories as well as love and concern with his family, friends, and caregivers, even continuing to participate in a book club.
Fred grew up on the family farm in Kansas, and early interests included horseback riding and woodworking. He graduated from Clay Center High School in 1951. He continued his education at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas, and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Master of Arts in Education.
In 1956, Fred married Nesta Hoech, and they were blessed with three children. Following the loss of Nesta, he married Margaret Phares in 1971, and they were blessed with two additional children.
Fred began his career in education in the Webster Groves School District in 1957. Throughout his career as a teacher and principal, he was actively involved in studying and implementing innovative teaching methods. He retired from teaching in 1997.
Fred always sought ways to serve his community. He was active in his church. He had a passion for social justice, contributing to, volunteering at, and serving on the boards of several community organizations.
Fred is survived by his wife, Margaret, his children Beth Davidson (Bill), Kristin Thurow (Erich), Fred Lenhart Jr. (Sandie), Paul Lenhart and Kate Dopuch (Bryan); his grandchildren Nate, Stephanie (Andrew), Chris (Kaela), Robin, Alex, Ellie, Jason, Luke, Lauren, Freddie, and Mae, and his great-grandchildren Logan, Will, and Lily. Fred is also survived by his brother Willard Lenhart (Donna), and numerous extended family members. Fred is also survived by many who became family, including his close friends and his caregivers.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife Nesta, his parents Karl and Freda Lenhart, parents-in-law Fred and Dorothea Hoech, parents-in-law Lawrence and Dorothy Phares, and sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, a niece, and a nephew.
Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home – Affton, 10151 Gravois Rd, on Friday, August 21, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 22, at 3 pm at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 3600 Hampton Ave in St. Louis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Fred’s name to one of these charities close to his heart:
St. Anthony’s Food Pantry https://stanthonyfoodpantrystl.org/donate/
Project Peanut Butter https://www.projectpeanutbutter.org/
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri https://www.bbbsemo.org/give/
Bread for the World https://www.bread.org/
or a charity of your choice.
Such fond memories of so many happy times- church gatherings, parties, vacations, traveling, cruises. Such a dear friend! Certainly will miss him but know he is at peace. Much love to Margaret and family.
We are sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Such a hole is left in my heart upon hearing of the loss of Fred. So many memories over so many years of our families getting together, couples in koinonia, circles with the women, so many church activities, all the way to young Paul digging up & replacing the bushes in my front yard, traveling to retreats out of town,, laughing till the tears flowed. And always learning, so much learning, lifelong learning. I send all my love and peace to Margaret and the whole family.
I had the great fortune to work with Fred as a colleague at Steger Sixth Grade Center and as a consultant following his retirement. I consider Fred one of the wise men I’ve known in my life. He listened with intent, and when he spoke, it was profound. I consider him a mentor and a friend. Thoughts and prayers with Margaret and the entire family.
In the space of spiritual and theological wisdom and understanding, Fred was larger than life. He counseled our spiritual book reading club through dozens of insightful and challenging texts; always with patience, diplomacy, and truly, love. I only first met Fred 20 years ago; a small fraction of his overall lifespan and impact, but who I did grow to love was a delight and a privilege. It was a Blessing to know him!
Such a genuinely nice man. We loved our couples bridge games. Fred had a great sense of humor which came in handy when Margaret created the entertainment.
Fred was the head of a beautiful and devoted family. Our love to all.
Fred was a Gentle Giant who adored his wife and family. He was always sharing stories about him and Margaret. Always had a smile and remembered your name-he was loved by all the staff at Dilworth. We will miss him but know he is in a better place, my prayers and sympathy to his family.
Fred was a true mentor to me at Steger. I could always count on him to listen carefully and provide thoughtful advice on any topic. He had great stories about growing up, and a wonderful sense of humor. He was always fun to seek out at social events, and truly cared about everyone. It was a privilege to know him. Karen and I will keep Margaret and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Fred Lenhart was a dear friend of mine. I hadn’t seen him in about a dozen years, but I knew him well. We first met at church about twenty-five years ago around the time he was retiring, and I’ll always cherish our talks down in the basement between services.
Fred was a soft-spoken, genuine man who cared deeply about others and quietly helped people behind the scenes. In one of our last conversations, he shared fond memories of my mother from years ago—words I will always cherish.
Everyone knew Fred as an educator, but to me, he was simply a good, faithful man who loved God and loved his neighbor. Even through difficult years for him and his wife, Margaret, he truly lived out Matthew 25 as an example for us all. He will be deeply missed.