Georgene Lenort

Georgene Lenort boarded her final cruise ship to heaven on February 22, 2025. She was born in Albert Lea on January 7, 1943 to Leona (Knutson) and George Tukua. Georgene grew up mainly in Hartland, with the exception of two years spent in Arkansas and Kentucky, where her father was stationed in the army.

She was baptized and confirmed in the West Freeborn Lutheran Church and graduated from New Richland/Hartland High School. In her teen years she worked in Hartland at the local restaurant and Joni's Beauty Salon. After graduating from the The Mankato School of Beauty, she worked at Michael's and Roger's House of Beauty in Albert Lea.

On July 7, 1962 she was united in marriage to Tom Lenort of Wells. To that union 3 children completed the family - Ronda, Tom Jr. and Jason. She was a full time mother and continued to work as a beautician in her home salon. Her hair customers became good friends and many life stories were shared over her career which spanned nearly 6 decades.

She loved the outdoors and marveled at the beauty of nature. She inspired her children and grandchildren to enjoy the same. Over the years the family raised puppies, kittens, pigs, calves, poultry and two life cycles of Cecropia moths. Georgene was active as a 4-H leader and supported her children in the projects they entered over 19 years of Freeborn County Fairs.

Georgene was an avid gardener and tended a large vegetable garden, apple trees and a strawberry patch. She canned and froze vegetables and made countless jars of salsa which she generously shared with friends and family. It came in mild, medium, hot and "extra, extra, extra hot!" which some family members requested. There always seemed to be homemade pie, fresh cookies, bars or cake on the kitchen counter and her grandchildren will fondly remember her iced cinnamon bread. She tended her prolific and stunning flower gardens with great care and we will forever think of her in the color and beauty of summer flowers.

She enjoyed time spent with children and grandchildren, particularly outdoor gatherings in the summertime with lawn chairs, a cookout, cold beer, games of horseshoe and corn hole. She and Tom had many friends with whom they loved to socialize, dance, meet for happy hours and travel. She enjoyed listening to country music, especially Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, Don Williams and live performances by nephew Dunnell Lenort.

Georgene had an adventurous travel spirit and her trips took her throughout the United States, Canada, The Caribbean, Central and South America and French Polynesia. She loved to go on cruises and described snorkeling in Moorea as one of the highlights of her life. Traveling the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia was another favorite! When talking about her travels, she was known to say, "I've never been on a bad trip, you know!"

Georgene was preceded in death by her father George in August 1993, mother Leona in July 2001, sister Jolene Buchholtz in August 2020 and husband Thomas in November 2024.

She is survived by daughter Ronda (Peter) Flaherty of Plainfield, VT, son Thomas Jr. of Clarks Grove and son Jason Lenort and partner Melanie Johnson of Albert Lea. Her pride and joy were 7 grandchildren and one great grand-daughter who will carry forth memories of being loved and nurtured by their Grandma - Emma Flaherty of Northeast Harbor, ME, Zack Flaherty of Denver, CO, Jameson Flaherty of Burlington, VT, Cole (Caitlin) Lenort of Geneva, Ross Lenort of Prior Lake, Trevor Lenort of Billings, MT, Keira Lenort (student at Marquette University) and great grand-daughter Collins Kate Lenort of Geneva.

She is also survived by brother Elliott (Nancy) Tukua of Oregon City, OR, sister Gretchen (Mike) Supalla of New Richland and many deeply loved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Georgene will be remembered for her devoted love for family and friends, her compassion and caring presence for so many, her independent spirit, her zest for adventure, home cooked meals, freshly baked desserts and for the being the best mother we could be blessed with. She'll be arriving in heaven with lipstick and nail polish for all the angels.

All who knew Georgene understood how much she disliked cold Minnesota winters. It seems most appropriate to gather together to celebrate her life when it's warmer and there are flowers in bloom.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 17 at 1:00, followed by a 2:00 memorial service at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Services in Albert Lea.