Bernard Lenart, Sr.

Bernard Lenart Sr., age 76 of Abbott rode his wheelchair into the sunset of his life while enjoying his breakfast on Wednesday morning, December 7, 2005 in Abbott. A rosary will be recited 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:45 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with the Rev. Ed Karasek, Rev. Vincent Chacko, IMS and Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Lenart's morning began on December 14, 1928 in West, the son of Frank Joseph and Veronica (Mynarcik) Lenart. He graduated from Penelope High School in 1947. On November 8, 1954 he married the love of his life, Helen Marie Urbanovsky in Abbott. He worked as a supervisor for Certain-Teed in Hillsboro for twenty-seven years until he retired in 1988. His family was the most important part of his life and he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed tending to his cattle, farming, and working with his hands as a carpenter. Polka music carried a special place in his heart and inspired him and his wife to help teach the West High School Junior Historians Czech dancing in 1976 and the well known tradition is still continuing to this day. Bernard was a charter member of the West Fraternal Auditorium where he and his wife served on the board of directors. He loved public relations and was responsible for booking many country and western stars such as Steve Warner, the Bellamy Brothers, the late Keith Whitley, and the Jan Garber Orchestra. For many years he booked all the dances on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. His favorites were the polka musicians all the way from Houston to Nebraska to the Czech Republic, and all points in between. He was a charter member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott where he helped to build the church in 1947. Westfest was always a fun time for him, he was a charter member and taroky judge for many years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, K.J.T. Society No. 11, and R.V.O.S. No. 46, all in West. Bernard will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Survivors include his beloved wife of 51 years, Helen Lenart of Abbott; a daughter, Teresa Nors and husband Tom of West and their children, Teri Nors, Thomas Nors Jr., Nick Nors and wife Christy and their son, Jonathan, all of West; son, Bernie Lenart of Aquilla and his daughter Amy & her husband Steven Warren of West, and Bernie's step-children, Brandi and Tim Thatcher and Malori of Penelope, James Ray Piel and wife Jessica and their son, Nicholas of Malone, Dawn Moore of Waco and her children, Destiny Caleb, and Caitlin; son, Michael Lenart and wife Sheila of Lacy Lakeview and their daughter, Sara, step daughter's, Renee Ebeling and her son Hayden of Lacy Lakeview, and Lorie Vernon and her husband Keith and their children, Anna Marie and Emylee Anne of West; son, John Lenart and wife Patti of Lott and their children Jon-Erik and Rachel; son, James Lenart of Bellmead and his daughter Veronica of West; brothers, Joseph J. Lenart and wife Joyce of Abbott and Raymond W. Lenart and wife Mary of Plano; three God children; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends. Active pallbearers will be Mike Lenart, Bernie Lenart, John Lenart, James Lenart, Thomas Nors Jr., Nick Nors, Jon-Erik Lenart, Amy Warren, Teri Nors, Veronica Lenart, Sara Lenart and Rachel Lenart. Honorary pallbearers will be Lorie Vernon, Renee Ebeling, Steven Warren, Christy Nors, Keith Vernon, James Ray Piel, Brandi Thatcher, Tim Thatcher and Dawn Moore. Memorials may be made to West EMS, St. Mary's Parish Center, Abbott Volunteer Fire Department, West Senior Center, or the Lott Fire Department.