Esther E. (Menninger) Lennertz

Gowanda – Esther E. (Menninger) Lennertz, 89, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025 at Brooks Memorial Hospital in Dunkirk after a brief illness, her family by her side. She was born on June 1, 1935, the daughter of Eugene and Elizabeth (Mentley) Menninger.

On April 12, 1958 at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Gowanda, Esther married the love of her life, Robert Lennertz, who survives. The couple would have celebrated their 67th anniversary next month.

In addition to her loving husband, she is survived by a son Thomas Lennertz of Gowanda, a daughter Susan (Mark) Suraf of Perrysburg and a brother Robert Menninger of Collins Center. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Jeffrey (Katherine) Suraf, Brian (Laura) Suraf, Kelsey Lennertz and Krista Lennertz (fiance Dominic Hitchcock), four great grandchildren; Landen, Nolan, Mason and Samuel Suraf, three sisters-in-law; Sally, Jean and Margaret Mary Lennertz as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by brothers-in-law; Richard, James and John Lennertz and sister-in-law Marge Menninger.

In keeping with Esther’s wishes, services will be private. Her family will gather for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Gowanda, Celebrant Father Joe Porpiglia. Following the mass, she will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetary, Gowanda.

In life, Esther was a kind and caring person, with family and faith being most important to her. She will be deeply missed.

If desired, please make memorial donations to The Gowanda Ambulance Service, PO Boc 143 for Gowanda Ambulance, Gowanda, N.Y.

Arrangements by SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, Gowanda, NY.