Ernest "Ernie" Lenzini

Ernest “Ernie” Lenzini, 88, of Deer Park, Illinois, passed away on January 2, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully with family by his side.

Ernie was born on January 31, 1937, in Chicago, to Louis and Emma Lenzini, who immigrated to the United States from Italy. He attended Catholic grade school and paid his way through St. Mel’s High School in Chicago. He later joined the U.S. Army through the GI Bill to pursue a college education, only to see the program discontinued shortly after he was deployed during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Ernie continued working to put himself through college, earning a degree in Electronics.

Ernie spent more than 30 years working as an electrical engineer at Knowles Electronics. After retiring, he moved to Arizona to escape the cold and enjoy golf, but quickly discovered pickleball, a sport he played enthusiastically for nearly 20 years. He eventually returned to the Chicago area to be closer to family.

Above all else, Ernie was a devoted father and grandfather, roles he often said he thanked God for most. He was intelligent, kind, disciplined, funny, and selfless. He will be remembered for his ability to build or fix just about anything, always without the help of Google; being the unquestioned MVP of family jigsaw puzzles; his perfectly printed architectural block lettering; coaching a middle school girls softball team to an undefeated season; his tenacity in tackling any task; his mastery of crossword puzzles; his inability to whisper in the most inappropriate places; his signature mustache curl; his remarkable mathematical mind; and his lifelong devotion to the Cubs and the Bears. Most importantly, Ernie was a man of deep faith and a devoted follower of his personal Savior and Hero, Jesus Christ.

Ernie is survived by his children, Andrew Lenzini (Dawn) and Cherie Kolder (Tom); his grandchildren, Matthew and Christian Lenzini, and Nick, Luke, and Matt Kolder; and his step-grandchildren, Lauren Bland (Danielle), Hayden Bland (Bri), and Jordan Ellis. He is also survived by his former wife, Linda Gartlan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emma Lenzini; his first wife, Kathleen Pumala Palmer; his son, Anthony Lenzini; and his brother, John Lenzini.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.