In Memory of Danny Lenninger Sr

Danny Lenninger Sr., age 60, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, Nebraska. 

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 13, 2026, at the Ida Grove Methodist Church of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Luann Benge will officiate. 

Committal Services will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery located at 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive in Adel, Iowa. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Danny Lee Lenninger Sr., the son of Kenneth C. Lenninger and Constance M. Winter, was born on April 27, 1966, in Sioux City, Iowa. He grew up in Sioux City and moved to Cherokee, Iowa, during his school years. He received his high school education from Washington High School. In 1983 Danny enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country. He was stationed overseas in Mannheim, Germany as a food service specialist then moved to Fort Polk Louisiana until his honorable medical discharge in 1988. 

After returning to the United States, Danny made his home in the Cherokee area. Over the years, he built a strong work ethic through a variety of occupations, with most of his career spent working as a welder, over-the-road truck driver, and mechanic. He was blessed to be the father of Michaella, Danny Jr., Genevera, and LeeAnn. Later adding bonus children Kelly, Jessica, and Bill to his family. 

Danny was a devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He found joy in fishing as well as collecting dragon and wizard figurines, and Mt. Dew memorabilia. Danny also had a passion for cooking and was known for preparing enough food to feed an army, making sure no one ever left his table hungry. 

Above all, Danny was a true people person. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for striking up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. His warm personality, genuine interest in others, and easygoing nature made him a friend to many. 

Family and service to his country were the two things Danny cherished most in life. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with those he loved, whether gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other's company. Equally important to Danny was his service in the U.S. Army. It remained one of the greatest honors of his life, and he never took those freedoms for granted. 

Left to cherish his memory include his children Michaella Lenninger of Jeffersonville, IN, Danny Lenninger Jr. of Ida Grove, IA, Genevera Lenninger of Evansville, IN and LeeAnn (Mitchell) Dahl of Lakota, IA; bonus children Kelly (Jeff) Johnson of Holstein, IA, Jessica Sindt of Sioux Rapids, IA and Bill Sindt of Ida Grove, IA; 16 grandchildren; sister Linda Larkin of TX; extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Lenninger and Constance Winter; brother Dennis Johnson; his maternal and paternal grandparents.