Leonard Charles "Chuck" Lenertz, 88, of New Braunfels, Texas passed away on October 27, 2021 at his home in New Braunfels.

Born July 28, 1933 in Aurora, Illinois to Leonard Peter and Genevieve (Schmidt) Lenertz, Chuck attended Marmion Academy and later entered the United States Air Force. He served proudly in the military as a navigator and then a pilot in the Strategic Air Command, with two tours in Vietnam, and retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1973. Beloved by his family, Chuck was outgoing, loved life and laughter and especially family gatherings. Devoutly religious, he taught catechism classes, as well as sang in the church choir for a number of years. In his later years, Chuck took a keen interest in genealogy and played a weekly online game with his son and grandchildren. Always ready to provide guidance and share his wit and anecdotes of his experiences, he will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lenertz; and survived by his sister Marilyn Jamison; son Stephen Lenertz (Robin); daughters Pamela Cruse (Charles), Mary Darden (John), Genevieve Weaber, and Judith Lenertz; grandsons, Gregory Cruse, Christopher Lenertz, Thomas Darden and Elijah Weaber; granddaughters, Nicole Wassum, Lauren Weaber, Megan Scott, Katherine Erwin, and Genna Yates; and five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM with a rosary service to follow on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels. Burial will be at 1:30 PM on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.