Ernest “Ernie” R. Lenning

Ernest “Ernie” R. Lenning age 88 of Harrison went to be with his Lord on Thursday, November 20, 2025, surrounded by his family. Ernest was born July 11, 1937, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, the son of Freida Marie (Emmel) Lenning and Ernest Lenning. Soon after high school, Ernie enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and honorably served his country. Mr. Lenning was united in marriage to Ms. Patricia V. Proszkowski on September 15, 1956, in Hazel Park, Michigan. Mrs. Lenning preceded Ernie in death on April 26, 2021, after sixty-four years of marriage.

Mr. Lenning had resided in Harrison since 1972, moving from Madison Heights, Michigan. Ernie retired from Luke’s Shopping Cart Service after 43 years of dedicated service. For many years, Ernie was a member of Harrison United Brethren Church. Ernie was a model train enthusiast; he assembled and replicated his HO scale train layout after the DM&IR Railway Company with many of his family and friends honored throughout his detailed building designs. He was an avid diecast model car collector and also enjoyed collecting, detailing, and driving his many automobiles over the years. Having cruised Woodward as a teen, Ernie enjoyed reminiscing by attending the yearly Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. Collecting coins was another long-term hobby of Ernie’s. However, his greatest passion was his family, especially his grandchildren, and was considered their “Greatest Fan” for sporting events, school and scouting functions, and dance recitals. In his later years, Ernie passionately loved and cared for his beloved dogs.

Surviving Mr. Lenning are his three loving children; Wendy Marie Buzzell and husband Bud of Harrison, Michael W.  Lenning, Sr. and wife Debbie also of Harrison and Kimberly Ann Smith and husband Stan of Harrison, six grandchildren; Michael W. Lenning, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Northport, Florida, Marcus E. Lenning of China, Lacey M. Iutzi and husband John of Harrison, Stanley E. Smith and wife Kierstin of Harrison, Garrett F. Buzzell of Harrison and Erika N. Buzzell of Manhattan, New York, five great-grandchildren; Mia A. Lenning, Stanley E. Smith II, Boyd M. Iutzi, Easton R. Smith and Delilah R. Iutzi, plus many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. Ernie also was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Richard E. Lenning, one granddaughter, Ami Marie Lenning and two brothers; Robert A. Lenning and William E. Shauff.

Funeral services honoring Mr. Lenning will be held Monday, December 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. from Harrison United Brethren Church, 250 East Main Street, Harrison with Pastor Wendy Kindel officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Harrison. Visitation will take place on Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, 165 West Oak Street, Harrison and will resume on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. A luncheon will immediately follow graveside services at Harrison United Brethren Church. Memorial gifts in memory of Ernie may be considered to: Dalis to the Rescue, Clare County Animal Shelter or Harrison United Brethren Church. To share an online memory or condolence with the Lenning Family, please visit: www.clarkstocking.com. Arrangements for Mr. Lenning are entrusted with Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service 989-539-7810.