Lenord Ellsworth Smith Jr., age 60, of Isanti, Minnesota, passed away on January 3, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, January 9th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service.
Born on August 24, 1965, in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, to Lenord and Joanne Smith, Lenny dedicated many years as Building Supervisor at Andover Elementary School, where he was cherished by staff and students alike for his kindness, willingness to help anyone, and the quiet pride he took in keeping the school running smoothly.
Lenny was a man of many talents and passions. He found joy in blacksmithing, woodworking, and landscaping, often creating beautiful and useful things with his own hands—most of all for the people he cared about. He loved “putzing” in the garage, playing pulltabs and bingo, and spending time at the ocean while on vacation, which brought him a deep sense of peace. Above all, he treasured moments swimming and playing with his grandchildren, whose laughter filled his heart.
Known for his warm personality and big heart, Lenny had a special way of making everyone around him feel seen and valued. His generosity and gentle spirit touched countless lives.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barb Smith; his sons, Lenny Smith, Jimmy Smith (Sarah), and Travis Smith; his beloved grandchildren, Adrianna, Branson, Khloe, Kayden, Dylan, Alexander, and Raelynn; his parents, Lenord and Joanne Smith; and his sister, Lori Larson as well as many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
Lenny’s memory will live on in the things he built, the lives he brightened, and the love he shared so freely.
Little Lenny I will miss your beautiful smile, soft voice and I love you’s! You were special and loved by so many many people and will be missed terrible by a lot of people! I am sending all my love to his entire family and prayers of strength and comfort! I wiss miss you cousin, I am so glad I talked to you in October, even though it was brief. I love you…
Lenny, I will treasure every single time we’ve spent together, especially hanging out for years after the parade in Isanti. All the laughter we shared, the trips we’ve been together on when we we’re all younger… god and those amazing hugs you gave, and how you would brighten the room when you walked in, you’re amazing advice, you’re cool cars you would fix up and your ability to make anything with your hands, I will treasure the gifts you made for our family with all my heart, more now than ever. You we’re a friend who anyone could count on, and my heart hurts so bad to say we are going to miss you down here!!! Not just miss you, miss you, but you are going to missed you SO immensely!!! To Barb and the boys and family, we are here for you for anything you may need, we are only a call away and can be there in 10mins or less, I wish there was words to help heal this hurt you’re feeling. I just want you all to know, I love you all so VERY much and we will always be here for you guys!
Lenny, such a warm, kind and loving nephew. Words can’t describe how much you will be missed. My prayers go out to your family. My heart is so very sad for my brother and Joanne and all the family that loved you so.
I am so sorry for your loss. Lenny was a very special person and I feel lucky to have known him. he always made me laugh and I will treasure those memories. Teachers and students all loved him so much.
Condolences to the family. I worked with Lenny at Andover. He ALWAYS had the biggest smile on his face and brought positivity to our community. Such a great loss of a good man. He is missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family and everyone Lenny touched. Lenny was such a gentle soul who cared for so many. Alway there with a smile and a wink when you needed him. He will be miss and I feel so bless to have known him.
Oh Barb, boys and family, my heart is hurting for you all! It doesn’t seem real to be seeing his photo on the obituary page. I’m so sorry! Lenny sure was an amazing man! I want to share the story of how my now husband, Chris met Lenny. We were in town at a store, I was looking over the selection, suddenly, I receive this GIANTIC HUG from someone behind me. Yep, it was Lenny! Chris was like, what is happening? Oh, we giggled and giggled, and hugged more, then I introduced them to one another. I will hold that interaction dear to my heart. As mentioned by others, Lenny sure gave amazing hugs, the kind that you know he wanted to be in that moment with you. I am sending so much of my love, prayers, and hugs to you all as you grieve this enormous loss of your precious husband, dad, and grandpa. <3 Karen XO
Lenny,
We’ve only known you for a little over a year, and you showed us great kindness in welcoming us to the neighborhood. Thank you for helping us with projects and inviting us over to swim in your pool. Your death was not taken lightly in our home and we are praying for your family during this difficult time. You will definitely be missed, but never forgotten with the impact you’ve had in this world.
The Einberger’s
Uncle Lenny, you have always been such an incredible light in our lives. Your heart was so big for everyone that just being around you, you made people feel so loved and seen. I’m going to miss your big lovable hugs and that amazing smile of yours. I love you Uncle Lenny!
Oh Lenny- my heart just broke when I saw the news. Your smile and huge heart were contagious. You ALWAYS went above and beyond to help anyone who needed it. The memories I have working with you and Matt (The Dream Team) make me smile. You will be missed for all you were to so many people. Love, prayers and comfort to your family.
BARB, I am so sorry that Lenny has left us. He was a great super loving person. I will miss him greatly as well as other people. Sometimes we just don’t understand the wise.’s I only Lenny knew the pain is so real and everybody that cared for him. He was such a good person. With a lot of heart for all the people that cared for him. I know he is with our Lord and that piece. He is with the angels flying high and happy to be with the Lord God bless his soul. He was one great human being. I will greatly miss him and I loved him with all my heart not only was my nephew, but I was his godmother, and that was a pleasure to be so fly high my dear nephew, love aunt Jeanette