Lenny Karl Kalkbrenner, born March 15, 1974, to parents Janet Marie (Grover) Kalkbrenner and Leonard Kalkbrenner Jr. while stationed in El Paso, Texas died suddenly in his home in Wellsville, NY on November 2, 2026, due to the medical impact of decades of surviving and thriving through the epileptic consequences of a traumatic brain injury experienced while on active duty in the United States Army.
A proud Uncle, Dad, and Grandpa involved in his community and actively engaged with his children and beautiful grandbabies daily, Lenny was also an avid Buffalo Bills fan, pickle ball coach, and Tough Mudder, who enjoyed golf, horseshoes, bowling, drawing, painting, camping, and being outdoors.
Devoted to his family, he is lovingly survived by the Scooby-to-his-Shaggy, his wife & soul partner, and the co-leader of their extensive Scooby Gang, Christell Kalkbrenner.
He will be greatly missed by Their Children: Kiana (Scott Knight) Kalkbrenner, Kylee (William) Stuck, Mitzi (Andrew Cornell)Kalkbrenner, Jackson Cline, Toryn Cline, and Zeddalyn Kalkbrenner, and daughter-at-heart: Mya White
Grandchildren: Grayson, Iyla, Ellowin, Ensley, Aspyn, Baylor
His Father: Leonard Kalkbrenner and Mother & Father-in-law: John and Darlene Russel,
His Sisters: Sheila L. Kalkbrenner, Sherry (Justin) Barber,
His Sisters in-Law: Jenny Rose, Tabetha Rose, Brother-in-Law: Andrew Santas,
His Best Friends: Daniel Hurt & Eric Odom, Family Friend: Auralee Brownell
His Nieces and Nephews: Jared (Annmarie) Santas, Jaguar (Madison Golish) Santas, Justin (Sara) Santas, Sheyenne (Micah Drake) Santas, Dante (Hallie Powers) Carlton, Shaw Carlton, Kierra Carlton, Cortney Briggs, Dalton & Max Barber, Joel Hadsell, Paige Hadsell, Dustin (Shauna) Layman, Nate Rose, Zachary (Abbie McCarthy) Hadsell, and Gabriel, Joshua, Odin, Jaiden & Jetton Nieces-at-Heart: Aleacia Makely, Rachel (Ricky) Fahs-Smith, Tricia Hodgkins
His Great Nieces and Nephews: Dominic Carlton, Raylynn Schwager, Lorelei & Ezra Santas, Cameron Dowd & Noor Baqer, Taten, Axl, Samuel, & Millie Hadsell, Brantley & Chayce Layman, Finley & Eden Hadsell, many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and too many more community members to name them all here.
The lives he touched were blessed to know his laughter, authenticity, kindness, enthusiasm for life, and his generous spirit. He may not have always remembered their names, but he treated all children (of all ages) who entered his home as family. He walked through life knowing the intrinsic limitations of what it means to be human and shared his own quest for joy with anyone who wanted to participate.
Lenny Karl was pre-deceased by his mother, Janet, his sister, Shawntelle (Andrew) Santas, his Father-in-Law, Leslie Rose, his first wife, Margaret Hirt, and his Second Mom, Lynda Finch-Kalkbrenner.
Out of respect for Lenny’s wishes in lieu of a funeral or visitation, the family is planning a Celebration of Life in his honor. Details TBD.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to: The Cameron Boyce Foundation to end epilepsy; empowering young adults living with epilepsy through education, support, and community, while working to end SUDEP. Find out more and how to donate at: thecameronboycefoundation.org
Brown & Powers Funeral in Angelica is assisting Lenny’s family. To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.
