John Francis Lenway I, 79, of Austin, Minnesota, died Tuesday evening, Oct. 25, 2016, at the Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. John was born Nov. 8, 1936 in Faribault, Minnesota, the son of Marvin and Lenore (Becker) Lenway. Following his 1955 graduation from Faribault High School, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until 1960. He worked at Cooks Paints and Glass in Faribault before transferring to Mankato, Chippewa Falls and to Austin. From 1969 to 1999 John worked for Hormel Foods. On April 8, 1961, John married Jeanine Loise Harrison at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin. John was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Eagle’s and a former member of the Moose Club in Austin. In earlier years, he was an avid reader of the newspaper, enjoyed bowling, cards, woodworking and cheering on Minnesota sports.

John is survived by his children Joe (RaeAnn) Lenway of Lilydale, Minnesota, Tom (Diane) Lenway of Austin, Minnesota, John F. Lenway, II of Austin, Dan (Jessica) Lenway of Austin, and Lisa (Scott) Bellrichard of Austin; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; his sisters, Claire Durand of Eagan, Minnesota, Joan (Wally) Mahnke of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Joyce (Adrian) Tobin of Rochester, Minnesota, Pat (Ted) Prange of Mankato, Minnesota, Becky (Jim) Nelson of Punta Gorda, Florida, Carol (Fred) Volz of Faribault, Minnesota; brother, Jim Lenway of Faribault, Minnesota; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Marvin and Lenore Lenway, his wife Jeanine L. Lenway on Nov. 23, 2007, and his granddaughter Chantal Marie Lenway on June 21, 2013.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 29, 2016 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin with Father James Steffes officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Military honors by American Legion Post 91. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.