"Rebecca McClintock We were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Chris\' sudden passing. We are so sorry for your devastating loss Jean, Mark and Suwanee, Michael and Morgan and all the grandchildren. You will be in our thoughts and prayers for strength to sustain you through your grief. May God give you glimpses of his grace and peace, through the care and support of loving family and friends, in nature, and through His still, small voice. Always know you never walk alone. God is everpresent and will carry you through. Hold to treasured memories and pass them on to your children and grandchildren. May God bring you unexpected blessings in this difficult time, to give you encouragement and hope. With love, the McClintock family"
In loving memory of
Chris Lennon
March 23, 1951 -
Christopher Robert Lennon was born on March 23rd, 1951 in Michigan to Robert "Bob" and Helen Lennon. His long and fruitful education in life began shortly after. He spent his childhood in the hills of West Virginia under the careful direction of his sisters Susan and Kate along with his older brother Mike. Chris always had a twinkle in his eye (thanks Helen) an impish grin on his face (thanks Bob), and a razor-sharp wit. He was cured of his childhood asthma by a yearlong trip to Vietnam in 1970 sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. Upon returning home from Vietnam he took up resuming formal education at the University of Wisconsin River Falls earning his Bachelors of Science in Agriculture. There he met the love of his life, a 1974 black Norton Commando. He also met his future wife Jean (nee Conrad) who was studying nursing and decided "well this guy seems interesting". After a few years of shenanigans Chris and Jean got married at the Conrad family farm in North Bend, Wisconsin on July 2, 1978. October of that same year his son Mark was born on Halloween. The #2 son Michael was born in 1983, RUDELY interrupting one of many beloved salmon fishing trips. After pulling all the fish out of Lake Michigan, they packed up the blue truck and moved out west to the muddy waters of the Mississippi River. He then took a job for the Army Corps of Engineers on the dredge William A. Thompson. Figuring 'if you can't beat em, join em', he became a police officer in Wisconsin and began a 35-year career in Law Enforcement. Chris and his family then settled in St Charles MN in 1986 after Jean took a job at the Mayo Clinic. Deciding the local police department needed an Irish cop he joined up part-time for money to buy (and fix) British motorcycles. When he wasn't riding British twins, Chris spent many summers on the Mississippi in his boat fishing and the fall through the rolling fields of southeast MN hunting grouse and pheasants. Subsequently the family always ate well. He loved to swim and shared that love with his boys. Chris was an ardent believer in lifelong education- he had a knack of explaining complicated topics into easy to understand ideas. Chris loved to debate subjects such as politics, and greatly enjoyed anyone who was able to verbally spar with himself. He took great pleasure in rewarding neighborhood kids for good grades and had an innate ability to recognize the potential people possess.
In 2003 after raising 2 boys he needed a new, safer adventure and traveled to Iraq. He traveled as a contractor For Operation Iraqi Freedom in November and returned again in January 2005. After skipping out on prime bird hunting with his new bird dog, Sage, she proceeded to tear up the good leisure chair in the living room- ask Jean about it. Chris took great pride in these deployments, often speaking highly of the people he worked with and the help he was able to give. He also traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and helped during the Red River floods in North Dakota.
Chris ended his long career in law enforcement in June of 2020, he loved the people he worked with and the community he was able to serve. He sadly left behind a job at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN.
Chris was a lifelong educator, loving father to his sons, loving husband to his wife. He saw the good in many people and always willing to help anyone in need.
He died suddenly but peacefully August 9th 2020 surrounded by his family and showered by love from friends and family afar. He was preceded in death by his dad Robert, mother Helen, and grandson Marcellus Lennon. He leaves behind his wife Jean, son Mark (Suwannee) Lennon and grandchildren Lincoln and Shiloh, son Michael (Morgan) Lennon and grandchildren Ethan, Weston, and Sola, siblings Susan Devita, Kate (John) Murphy, and Michael (Sue) Lennon, nephews Steve, Chris, nieces Theresa and Rachel. Beloved by many, all the lives he has touched through the years will feel a void in his absence. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever, or the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. The family will have a private celebration of his life. Memories and well wishes can be shared on the virtual guestbook. Semper Fi Gomez, and don't overrun your headlights.
Chris' family will hold a private family memorial. Please share a memory of Chris at his online guestbook and view his video tribute, when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"Im deeply sorry foryour loss of a good and friendly man~~~Chris. I am a volunteer at MMAM and this is is where i met him i worked with him there. A security officer there he went over and above to help customers that came in there. He almost memorized all the painting and their history! He engaged well with little kids, and everybody. He would make me laugh and others too. He was a delight to be around. Even thou I\'ve only known him for like 5mos or so. He was always happy to see me come in and smiling. I felt like i knew him a long time. He was a good spirited man and will be greatly missed. I\'ll miss his stories of his past jobs. Sincerely ~~ Kristin Fox MMAM volunteer. "
"One of my favorite uncles. He will be sorely missed by me, and many others"
"Our hearts remain heavy along with all of yours: Jean, Mark, Suwanee, Linc, Shiloh, Mike, Morgan, Ethan, Weston and Sola; Chris\' special family! We are fondly remembering the only cycle ride we took with Chris, Jean and Mark back on a super hot July day in 2005. We took the 3 cycles to the Mindoro cut and had a great ride! Sending hugs/love to all. Uncle Maynard and Aunt Rita"
"Chris Neises, Prairie Du Chien, WI here. Your Chris and I were fellow Marines, Dredgers and Law Enforcers, so we had numerous conversations over the years on those topics. I?ll remember him as a good man, a fun man and most of all, I think, a patriot! You have our sincere condolences! Chris/Barbara Neises"
"I met Chris when we were in high school in Holmen. We dated a couple times and I would send him chocolates and letters when he was in Vietnam. Life went on and we lost touch but I always had great memories of him. I found out from a friend that he worked at the Museum, I was always going to try to find time to go there, just thought of it a few weeks ago. I wish I would of found time, it would of been great to reminisce. Such a nice young man when I knew him and after reading some other comments sounds like he was a great family man and friend to many. So sorry for your loss."
"Bill Christensen Chris & I met as volunteers at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. We had many conversations during our shifts, which led to our shared experience of serving in the military during the Vietnam Era. Chris was interesting and now wish we had the time to discuss more topics that I did not know he was involved in like Katrina or Iraq. Last saw Chris at the volunteer Christmas party in December, 2019, when we dined at the same table & played a goofy name game. Really sorry to learn of his passing. He will be missed ..............."
"I remember a Chris Lennon that was in my class at Emerson ElementarySchool in LaCrosse,WI. Might he have been there in sixth grade? I?ve wondered about him for years. Sorry for the family loss."
"To my dear friend, Jean, to Mark and Suwannee and Michael and Morgan and your children, I can hardly find the words to express how shocked and saddened I feel to have learned of Chris\' passing. Jean, you have been my best friend forever and just know that I am here to listen, to talk, to grieve right beside you and to celebrate all the memories of your Chris. He left us too soon and left behind a legacy of service to his country, love for his family, time for his friends and a protecting concern for his community. You can be so proud of who he was. I do know that twinkle in his eye, along with that smile and infectious laugh. He was fun to be around and always up for an adventure. He brought a big smile to my young son\'s face when he took Jim and my Michael fishing for salmon in Algoma. My son has that photo in his scrapbook, holding up a salmon as tall as he is! On another treasured visit to your home, Chris took my daughter Tammy on the back of his motorcycle for a ride around town. I can still see her with her little arms wrapped around his waist, a too big helmet perched on her head, clinging for dear life as he carefully took the corner on the block so she wouldn\'t be scared. She chattered about that ride all the way home. I feel his loss so already because when I say your names, it will always be Jean and Chris to me. Be comforted that he is in God\'s heavenly home now, peacefully safe, surrounded by the love of family gone before and he will never have to know the frustration of growing old on earth. I am betting that he is having a conversation with your little Marcellus right now. I will be praying that our Lord wraps his loving arms around each of you and that you feel the love of family and friends who share this great loss with you. When this Covid is over, Jean we are going to hug and never let go! You are dearly loved and whatever I can do, I am here. Love your friend, Donna"
"I am a volunteer at MMAM and knew Chris when I worked there. What an interesting life he had! I wish we could have chatted more. I am sad to heR about his passing. Mary Alice Anderson."
"Our death is not an end if we can live on, in our children and the younger generation... For they are us; our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. ~ Albert Einstein~ ? I\'m not sure how to start this... Or explain. My name is Rachel DeVita. The daughter of John and Susan DeVita. I\'ve had a serious head injury about 9 years ago, that left me with Retrograde Amnesia (Not remembering the past or people I knew before the injury but now, are strangers to me and I have to be reintroduced.) My mom and dad have told me about Uncle Chris but... I never went to go see anyone because I was, or still am embarrassed of my situation and I didn\'t know how to explain ... \"You know me but... in my world I don\'t know you.\" It is such a heart-breaker and a shocker to hear about my Uncle Chris. What I have read and I am sure by many of you would agree?... A GREAT MAN. The youngest son of Robert (Bob) and Helen Lennon born on March 23, 1951. The youngest brother of Sue, Mike, and Kate that I am sure have a lot of great stories about their childhood. Grade School, High School. Uncle Chris is so much more... than a son or a brother. A student in Grade School and High School and I am sure quite you were a character with wit and humor. He was a Marine and served his country proud and a Vet. ? He was a boyfriend, fiance, husband, lover, and a best friend to Jean for 42 years. ? A inspirational father to his 2 sons, Mark and Michael. ? A brother-in-law to my Aunt Sue, my Uncle John and my dad John... ? An amazing, Uncle to Steve... Who is a lucky brother to have me for a little sister. Chris, and Teresa. ? A father-in-law to Suwannee and Morgan. ? A Grandfather to Lincoln, Shiloh, Ethan, Weston, and Sole. ? A Man of the law and badge... I greatly respe in blue. ? A man of education ( professional student) and the love of nature and water, carrying on a family tradition from his dad. (Fishing and hunting.) Uncle Chris you are an inspirational, respected, intelligent, MAN of the St. Charles, Minnesota community and a man that will be very hard to forget. ? You will truly be love and missed by anyone who has ever gotten to know you. Love always, Your niece Rachel ? P.S. I can\'t imagine how you must be feeling? I\'m so sorry Aunt Jean, Mark, Michael, Aunt Kate, Uncle John, Aunt Sue, Uncle Mike, and my mom and dad going through this. They say... Times heals the heart."
"I am still in shock at this very sad news.Chris and I were friends and I will miss him... We had an almost annual pilgrimage to southwest wisconsin in the summers attending the BBC rally. Rocketing through the hills and valleys on our classic Triumphs, Nortons etc rain or shine. High speed hijinks on the roads around St Charles with friends like the Kellers and the Romstads. Sometimes on newer bikes. It was all about the fun. Always willing to help when something broke. Jean and family: if there is any thing I can do....Jim Ryan "
"Chris Lennon was my friend, he was someone who lived his life to the fullest. From his time in the Corps of Engineers working on the river to his passion for hunting and fishing he was always busy. A good man gone too soon! My sympathy and prayers for his family."
" Jean and family, So sorry to hear of the passing of Chris. My sympathy to your family. It sounds like he lived life to the fullest."
"Dear Jean and Family, We are so saddened by your loss. We will truly miss our daily chats with Chris, seeing him do yard work or working on a treasured vehicle. There were some political debates, too! If we can help in anyway, you know where to find us. The Longhini Family, Gabriel, Jana, Robert and Mary "
"My wife Debbie and I would like to give our condolences to the family of Christopher Lennon. We have never had the privilege of meeting Chris. Rest in peace Christopher."
"My deepest condolences to your family. I met Chris at the MMAM when I was a volunteer. Chris always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and a kind words for all. He will be greatly missed."
"Chris was instrumental in introducing me to the BBC (British Bikers Cooperative). Along with Jim Ryan we had our own version of the \"Rat Pack\" riding our Triumphs & Norton\'s through the hills and valleys of Southern MN & Western WI. The bond of riding unique classic cycles with Chris & Jim was a highlight of my time living in St. Charles. Chris was always kind and carrying to me and anyone that we met on numerous BBC rides. Chris was an accomplished rider. Occasionally he would throw a leg over his sons high performance Ducati and I would grab my Moto Guzzi Sport bike for a bit of \"higher heart rate adventurers\" . To Jean and boys my sincere condolences for your loss. Best Regards-Rick T Keller"
"I\'m sorry for your loss Chris was such a special person I worked with him at the Minnesota Marine art museum he was a gracious help to me my mother and I both worked at the art museum he was a kind person and he was very helpful my mother went through abuse in her marriage and Chris was very helpful my mother passed away of 2019 I\'ll miss seeing working with Chris and I\'m sorry with your loss my prayers to you and your family"
"We will miss seeing Chris and Jean taking their stroll together up the street with their loved dog in the lead, and a kitty or two following behind. Usually getting picked up by Chris on the return trip, because they would wait for them to return or just didn?t want to walk all the way home and knew Chris would carry them. It was such a cute sight. Always a wave to say hello neighbor as well."
"My condolences for your loss. Chris was always a happy upbeat person. Always an interesting conversation with Chris. "
"I will miss Chris at MMAM so much. We each were docents in addition to his working long hours providing security and always helping with set-up for tours. Chris almost always sensed what I needed in preparation for tours and was always willing to give a helping hand when asked. And we had such good conversations about just about everything including the environment, science, politics, travel, and, of course, art. Chris loved sharing what he had researched about artists and their art. Many times after finishing with a tour, we?d stop and chat about what we had observed in the galleries and what our museum guests enjoyed. But far more than an observer, Chris seemed to give his all to life. And I so appreciated that about Chris. RIP? will certainly miss you. "
"To know Chris was to know the definition of a friend. He was a wonderful friend to many, both old and young. He watched my kids grow up and he held a special place in their hearts. So many good memories of such a great person! RIP Chris?you will be missed! "
"Chris was always a wonderful and cheerful man and will always hold a strong place in mine and my children?s hearts. He always was a very hard worker and a very good helper. When I was in Law Enforcement school I was struggling with my forearms and he gave me so much help and many pointers that I will never forget. My children loved walking down the block and talking with him and he would always love when they would visit. My thoughts and prayers are with your family in these hard times and he will always hold a place in my heart. Love Ashly "
"So very sorry for your loss. Chris was an incredible man and will be dearly missed. Hugs to you all. Keenan and Jessica Fuller"
"Thinking about Chris puts a smile on my face. I was a single mom of three girls when I moved to St. Charles. Chris and Jean lived one house down from us. Chris would take the girls on motorcycle rides and Jean loved visitors. I\'m very sorry for your loss! Heather "
"I am so very sorry for your loss. Having morning conversations over coffee with friends will forever be etched in my memories in moving to St Charles and meeting Chris. Always had a smile and a ?good morning? to brightened my day. Grateful for those moments. "
"Jean, Mark, Mike, I am deeply sorry for your loss - Chris was a wonderful man and a dear friend. I moved to Winona by myself when I was 21, and attended a volunteer dinner party at the MMAM. Not knowing anyone in a sea of white haired folks, I sat down to eat my bowl of chili by myself. Chris took notice and shimmied up next to me; we quickly bonded over art and vintage motorcycles, and he convinced me it was a pretty alright town to stick around in. I started working at Ed?s No Name shortly after and he?d often ride past on one of his bikes. If I was behind the bar, he?d made another pass and come on in for a pint and long discussions about art genres, to hear about my motorcycle adventure through Vietnam, or just to tell me a good life story. I?ll forever hear his voice hollering as he walked through the door, ?Where?d the rest of yer pants go little lady?!? with that twinkle of a wink when I wore cut-off shorts. He sure knew how to light up a room. "
"A huge loss to our community. A man that would give the shirt off his back for another! I remember the night my wife had a kidney stone and Chris was the responding officer. I decided to drive her to the ER and Chris stay with our children after his shift! Thanks for your service to our community and the USA!"
"May you, the Lennon family, find comfort in God\'s loving arms at this difficult time. Many thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Jean, Mark, Mike, I am in shock. I just spoke to Chris two weeks ago and he was his usual funny, friendly self. I do not know words to express how important he has been in my life. I had the pleasure of working with him for over 30 years here at City Hall. A few years back he was there for me during a very stressful personal time in our lives and I am forever grateful to him. He will be close in my heart and prayers forever. For me, he most definitely a character who always made me laugh. He is gonna be missed by so many people. Know that he was very special to many. Jean, he was an amazing man, full of jokes and stories about his grandkids, whom he adored. One more angel to watch over all of us. God Bless all of you. Janell and Orv Dahl"
"So sorry for your loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayets"
"The family is in my thoughts and prayers so sorry for your loss"
"To Jean, Mark, Michael, family and friends I am so sorry for your loss. He was an exceptional man in many ways. I truly enjoyed working with him and sharing stories. I am proud to call him my friend. I hope you all can cherish his memories in your hearts forever, Thank you for your service in the Marine Corps, and on the Police Department."