Francis A. Lenhart Jr.

Francis A. Lenhart, Jr. (Fruitcake) of Upper Sandusky passed away at 1:00 P. M. on September 3, 2011 at Wyandot Memorial Hospital. He was born on Nov. 14, 1923 to Francis Sr. and Hattie Tuthill Lenhart in Tiffin, OH. His family moved to New Riegel, then Upper Sandusky where he graduated from high school in 1942. On April 24, 1954 Francis married Dorothy Sparks in St. Peter's Rectory. He was the father of three children: Christopher, Susan, and Vicki. He is survived by two grandsons, Eliott and Andrew, and a great-granddaughter, Nevaeh. He was preceded in death by his son, Chris, his parents, and his brothers, John and Lewis. People have often asked how Francis acquired the nickname (Fruitcake.) It came about when his basketball coach dubbed him (Nuttier than a fruitcake) when he answered a question in a whimsical way. Fruitcake was then shortened to Fruity. After graduation, Francis served in the U. S. Marine Corps during World War II as an M.P. at Navy Base 103 from 1942-1945. He was a catcher for the Marine Corps softball team. He also was a player/manager for Bud’s Sport Shop fast pitch softball team. In addition, he managed a semi-pro basketball team, the Oneidas. He umpired baseball, refereed CYO basketball, and managed the American Legion Baseball team. Francis enjoyed a long work history. During high school he worked for Neumeister's Bakery as well as Jones Clutch Daybrook Hydraulic where he worked for 24 years. He was then employed at Westinghouse/A.O. Smith for 37 years and retired at the age of 79. His great love of sports was exemplified most in his passion for the OSU Buckeyes. He also rooted for the Upper Rams, the BGSU Falcons, the Cleveland Indians, and the Cleveland Browns. Fruitcake was an avid gardener and loved animals, especially the many pets he had throughout the years. Nothing pleased him more than sitting on his front porch. Visitation will take place at Bringman Clark Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 from 4-8 P.M.with a prayer service at 4:00 P. M. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church (St. Peter’s) in Upper Sandusky on Thursday, September 8 at 10:30 A.M. with Father J. R. Hadnagy O.F.M. Conv.officiating. A Full Military Graveside service will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery with the Upper Sandusky Veterans Color Guard. Memorials may be made to Wyandot Memorial Hospital’s Renovation and Expansion Project or to the charity of the donor’s choice in care of Bringman Clark Funeral Home 226 E. Wyandot Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351. Visit www.bringmanclark.com to view the Life Tribute DVD, send a condolence or share a memory. http://videos.lifetributes.com/244373