Leonard “Lennie” Newman, Jr, 84

Leonard “Lennie” Newman, Jr, 84, of New Prague, MN, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Regional Medical Center on July 22, 2024, and has now joined his Heavenly Father in his eternal home. Lennie was the son of Leonard and Mable Newman and was a long-standing member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague, MN.

Lennie was a native of Minneapolis and longtime resident of New Prague, MN. He graduated from Washburn High School in 1958.  He was always active and enjoyed all sports. He was also in the Army reserves. While living on Cedar Lake, Lennie was often seen floating and boating with family and friends. He loved the sun, beach, and the water, and he always had a tan.

Lennie had a distinguished career starting at General Mills, Graybar Electric, and 34 years working for General Electric in Sales Management where he was recognized as a top performer and won numerous awards and contests. Lennie retired in 2000, but his true passion was always his family. He was a loyal husband and loved Lois unconditionally…she was the love of his life! On May 23, 2024, Lennie and Lois celebrated their 60^th Wedding Anniversary. Lennie and Lois spent winters in Estero, FL where they met many wonderful friends. While in Florida, Lennie enjoyed competing with his club that played water volleyball; he enjoyed playing “drop-in tennis;” he played pick-up basketball into his 70s, and always looked for an excuse to walk the beach looking for shells and shark teeth.

Lennie was the biggest fan for the Bayside Academy Admirals in Daphne, AL where he watched all three grandsons play basketball. He also became a North Carolina State Wolfpack basketball fan when Spencer played for the Wolfpack. He relished cheering for his granddaughter, Emily, as she and her BOLD High School Dance Team competed at the state dance competition. When Emily took a job with the Minnesota Twins, he became a die-hard Twins fan. Lennie loved his “grand-dogs” also…whether it was taking them for a walk or just playing catch in the yard, his “grand-dogs” loved Grampa!

Lennie is survived by his wife, Lois Newman; son Len (Christy) of Fairhope, AL, daughter Kim (Brian) van der Hagen of Bird Island, MN and grandchildren: Nelson Newman (Tampa, FL), Spencer Newman (Birmingham, AL), Griffin Newman (Fairhope, AL), and Emily van der Hagen (Minneapolis); his beloved sister, Marlene Ostrom of Blaine, MN, and several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and -nieces.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at Ridges at Sand Creek Golf Club in Jordan, Minnesota on Friday, August 9, 2024, with Pastor Ben Hilding officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45, with the service and lunch to follow. The family looks forward to this celebration of a life well lived.