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.