Mona Jean Lenhart, age 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family she adored, on December 24, 2025. It was a fitting departure for Mona to be called home to her Lord and Savior on Christmas Eve—her favorite day of the year. Mona was preceded in death by her parents, Lola (Bradley) and Corby Wickham; her beloved husband, Albert; and her two brothers, Glen and Leonard Wickham.

Mona is survived by her sons, Mark Lenhart (Rani) and Kevin Lenhart; her beloved grandchildren, Rachael (Lenhart) Karrh (Taylor), Haley (Lenhart) Papacek (Jon), and Joel Lenhart; and many dear friends.

Born in Harrisburg, Illinois, on March 11, 1937, Mona's early life was defined by her love of music and the written word. A talented pianist and organist, she also excelled in journalism, serving as a Hi-Tri Council member and editor of her high school newspaper and yearbook. She continued her education at Southern Illinois University on a journalism scholarship, and her passion for literature remained with her throughout her life as an avid reader.

Mona met the love of her life, Albert, at a dance at Sachsenheim Hall in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1957. They married two years later and began their family in Cleveland with the birth of their sons, Mark and Kevin. Al's career eventually led the family through Michigan and Wisconsin before they settled in Burnsville, Minnesota, which became their home for more than 45 years. While raising her boys, Mona worked as an administrative assistant at Unisys and HealthPartners, where her sharp writing and organizational skills were highly valued.

Despite her professional talents, Mona considered her greatest achievement to be her family. As the "stay-at-home leader" of the Lenhart household, she managed everything from finances to the busy schedules of two active sons. She was the constant, steady heart of the home, especially during Al's frequent travels. Mona had a flair for the unexpected—surprising her family with North Stars hockey tickets when they thought pizza was the plan, or unannounced detours to Las Vegas on the way home from a family vacation. Mark and Kevin feel immensely blessed to have had a mother who gave them the best childhood imaginable. That devotion was perhaps most evident at Christmas.

Christmas was Mona's masterpiece; she spent weeks decorating and setting up Department 56 villages, hiding gifts, and ensuring Christmas Eve would be a meaningful, magical time of church, dinner, gift-giving, and togetherness.

Raised Baptist and later raising her children Catholic, Mona eventually chose to continue her own spiritual growth by attending a church of her choosing. She found a welcoming home at Faith Covenant Church, where Bible study and friendships became an important part of her life. While Al remained active at Mary, Mother of the Church, he often joined Mona for adult Sunday school at Faith, and together they formed many meaningful friendships.

Known for her kind spirit and her signature "lipsticked smile," Mona possessed a rare gift for making everyone feel truly seen and heard. Whether she was visiting with neighbors, family, friends, or the dedicated staff at Presbyterian Homes – Valley Ridge, she was genuinely interested in the stories of others. She delighted in meaningful conversations about education, work, and the personal goals of those she was talking to.

Mona's legacy is defined by the kindness and grace she extended to the world and lives on most vividly through her family. She and Al were deeply involved grandparents—attending sporting events, occasionally hosting sleepovers, and delighting in simple moments like letting the girls explore her jewelry. They shared a love of learning with their grandchildren through visits to museums and often stayed with the grandkids while their parents vacationed, lovingly caring for them and keeping routines steady. Mona stayed closely connected to those she loved, calling often and taking genuine interest in their daily lives. In addition to being a devoted mother, she was a beloved mother-in-law and grandmother, whose steady presence and thoughtful care will be dearly missed.

Services
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at White Funeral Home in Burnsville. A memorial service will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. Private interment will be held at Fort Snelling

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the M.O.M.S. Program - a mentor program for single mothers in Scott and Dakota County.

https://momsprogram.org/