Joseph Lenneman

Joseph L. Lenneman returned to his heavenly home on Dec. 16, 2015. His passing over was marked by profound peace and grace. Joe was born Sept. 3, 1936 to Adolph and Marie (Marx) Lenneman in St. Michael, Minnesota, the eldest of 5 siblings. He was formed in the simple goodness of farm life in a family of deep Catholic faith. It was there that he learned to pray, laugh, and work as only those of German descent know how. He developed a love for people and for the land that he carried with him throughout his life. After high school, he spent a brief time in the service, returned to work on the family farm, and discerned a possible vocation to the priesthood until he moved from Minnesota to Montana. He received his agronomy degree from Montana State University and began working in Billings developing new and better types of wheat, a passion that marked his working years. Always a man of deep faith, he joined the choir at St. Patrick's in Billings where he met the woman he would soon call his wife, Marion Miller. They wed on July 7th, 1973 in a ceremony that was best described as “simple and elegant”. Joe and Marion welcomed their first child, Paul, in 1974. Marc and Sarah followed soon after. Joe deeply cherished the time he shared with his wife of 43 years. He was a good and proud father who took great joy in shaping the lives of his children through his example and wisdom. He valued the years he spent working with many young people in the wheat fields of Montana and while tending the golf course at the Yellowstone Country Club. Joe will be remembered for his wonderful warmth, laughter, kindness, and work ethic, but especially for his deep goodness and love that sprung from his faith in Jesus Christ. That faith shaped every aspect of his life, especially how he valued each person he met. He trusted in the goodness of everyone he met and had a unique gift of drawing that goodness forth. Though Joe blessed countless people, he always considered himself more blessed to be surrounded by so many good friends and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia, and brother-in-law Quentin. He is survived by his beloved wife Marion, his children Paul (Chazlyn and their children Cole Joseph and Amara Noel), Fr. Marc, and Sarah; his siblings Betty (Quentin), Tony (Geri), Bobby (Patty) and Sr. Virgene. Viewing 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Vigil 7pm both on Sunday at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass 11:00am Monday, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Joe to the Billings Catholic Schools, Carroll College Chapel Fund, St. Vincent de Paul, Riverstone Hospice Home, Parkinson's Disease Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of the staff at Dahl Funeral Chapel.