Lenny John Gertken
May 21, 1965 - May 29, 2016
Obituary
MADISON-Lenny John Gertken, age 51, passed away on Sunday May 29, 2016. He was born on May 21, 1965, in St. Cloud, Minn., the son of Lawrence and Isabel (Wessels) Gertken. Lenny's favorite things to do most of all was to sell the "Street Pulse" newspaper and he liked hanging out with his homeless friends who were his family. Lenny was a giving person and concerned about his friends who were without, if he had a dollar he would give half to a friend in need. Lenny was a gentle person who lived life according to Lenny. Lenny was a Christian (Catholic) and believed in God. He treated everyone with kindness and wanted to see everyone treated fairly. He was known by the State Street Family and loved by many. Lenny is survived by his brothers and sisters, John (Mary), Ann (Mike) Scherer, Duane (Shirley), Steve (Judy), Shirley (John) Zieglmeier, Tim (Anne), Mike (Linda), June (Al) Ricke and Larry Jr. (Brenda). He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Michele M. Heinrichs; and his parents. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at noon, on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow the burial. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Service
Tue Jun 7, 2016 @ 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
KA
Karen Andro
Other •
Lenny's smile, laugh and story telling will be missed dearly. He was a one-of-a kind gentleman who crossed so many of our paths thru his journey of life. He was kind offering what he had to others with ease. The most precious gift he gave was himself. Love and respect Lenny. You may rest in Peace now with our Lord and with everlasting love.
JM
Jennifer Moritz
Other •
We will deeply miss u.rip big guy
JA
Jeanette Arthur
Other •
To Lenny for always having a big heart!! You are with our Father now.
ES
Eric Schulenburg
Other •
I often talked with Lenny on the street, sometimes when he was helping the Fibs Cart. I would hear from Lenny when there was legal trouble of some kind. He always impressed me with his refusal to back down when he thought he was right and he was often more "right" than authorities would give him credit for. He had health issues and faced them with unflinching courage. He was an interesting man. Talking with him, listening to him, was never dull. I will miss him.
Eric Schulenburg
TF
Tami (Miller) Fleming
Other •
Lenny, was one of the good ones.... I loved his stubbornness and I knew beneath his sometimes "gruff" exterior, he had a heart of gold. I was so proud of him in his new apartment- every time I visited him the place smelled like bleach and cleaner and all of his dishes were washed and his laundry done. I met him in 2011 when I first started doing food on State Street for people who were homeless... I went to countless Doctor appointments with him and sat and talked with him many evenings in the wintertime when he chose to stay outside, rather than go into shelter. He always had a smile on his face for me, and would call me from time to time to tell me what others who were outside needed. He never asked for much, he was pretty self-reliant. When he did get something, he was appreciative and thankful. He would joke around and tease me like a little sister, because that was his way- his nature was positive and happy, but he also didn't sugar-coat anything... he was a straight shooter. I loved him like a brother and was so proud of the kind of person he tried to be. I will miss you Lenny, the world seems so much smaller without you and your bear hugs in it anymore. Love and peace to you my brother. -Tami (Miller) Fleming
LK
Lou Ann Kilgore
Other •
Poem from Lenny' I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one. I'd like to leave and after glow of SMILES when life is done. I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days. I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun of Happy memories that I leave when my life is done.