Alita Margaret Lenertz, age 94 of Tracy, passed away while surrounded by her family on September 19, 2025 at Our House Hospice of Murray County. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home, beginning with a Rosary and prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Burial is in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Tracy. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Alita Margaret (Dardis) Lenertz was born at home in Westline Township to Charles and Josephine Gertrude (Molitor) on February 7, 1931. The family farmed by Milroy and later moved to farm north of Tracy. She graduated from Tracy High School in 1948. Alita was united in marriage to Laurence Lenertz on September 19, 1950 at IHM Catholic Church in Currie, MN. The couple farmed north of Tracy. Growing up, she learned the importance of faith and family and it served as the centerpiece of her adult life. She was never without a rosary; everyone knew they could count on her prayers in both their difficulties and successes. “Trust God…and don’t forget to thank him!” was something she never failed to do. Alita found joy in serving others and was generous in sharing her time and talents in various community programs and organizations. A faithful and active member of St. Mary’s Church, Alita served in many capacities. She brought comfort to grieving families as the funeral luncheon coordinator, rosary leader, and providing cookies at wakes. Alita received the Bishops’ Medal of Service award, and in 2014, was named the Diocesan CCW “Woman of the Year.” Her dedication in raising money for the poor in the San Lucas Mission through coffee sales and the “Mission of Love” project enabled a “House of Love” to be built. It was dedicated in her name this summer. She was very humbled by this. Alita worked tirelessly for St. Mary’s school and Faith Formation. She was instrumental in getting the kindergarten program started, served as a catechist for many years and loved helping children practice their reading skills. Time with friends and family was important. She loved the coffee groups, reunions, fishing, holiday gatherings, games, and fun. Alita loved to laugh. She was our greatest cheerleader. We are grateful for the faith, love, wisdom, and humor she so freely shared, and the lessons she taught us in the way she lived – a life grounded in prayer. The family wishes to thank all who made her last month such a celebration of her life. She treasured every call, prayer, card, and visit. Special thanks to the staff at the Hospice House of Murray County for the dedication and compassion given to her. Alita passed away peacefully on September 19th, 2025, surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her sister Nora McCoy; her children: Laurie (Sharon) Lenertz, Diane (Mike) Knakmuhs, Brenda Lenertz, Steve (Kathy) Lenertz, Theresa (Dan) Kenyon, Tom (Cheryl) Lenertz, Joanie (Robert) Gruver, Joe (Kris) Lenertz; grandchildren Matt, Laura, Zach, Andrew, Pat, Dani, Kim, Michael, Michelle, Jason, Samantha, Jake, Sarah, Luke, Logan, Ethan, and honorary grandchild Danny Peterson; and great-grandchildren Sammy, Henry, Wyatt, Lily, Felicity, Anna, Gus, Charlie, Thaddeus, Levi, Bennett, Asher, Noah, Gabriel, Oliver, Michael, Jaren, Tiffany, Mason, Jordyn, Amya, Huxley, and Odin. Alita is preceded in death by her husband Laurence; children: Kevin, Judy and Mark; parents: Charles and Josephine; and siblings: Charles, Donald, Linus, Norbert, and Norma. Blessed be her memory.
