Ruth Ann Lehnertz-Sargent

Ruth Ann Lehnertz-Sargent died of lung cancer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Savannah, GA in the afternoon of January 26th, 2026 after suffering through a long and painful night. Her family was by her side to comfort her.

Ruthie was born in Winona, MN, the first child of Theresa (Galewski) and Paul Lehnertz. Her father, Paul, doted on her and encouraged her outgoing and gregarious nature. All the world was a stage and Ruthie was always in the center. But this world shattered in 1964 when Paul died. His Hormel delivery truck overturned in an ice storm. Ruth was 12.

Two years later, Theresa married George Cierzan and the conjoined family moved to Wabasha, Emotionally turbulent years followed yet Ruth did then graduate from Wabasha High School in 1969.

Ruth matriculated at Mankato State College but gave up her study after a summer recess when she established a deep bond with her eventual husband John Sargent. They spent ensuing years in Chicago, Minneapolis, New York City, Park Point Duluth and Savannah, GA. Her son Christopher was born in Minneapolis in April, 1976.

Ruth unearthed a passion for food and management while obtaining a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management at City College Brooklyn, NY. She had a short but impressive career as Director of Catering at the Sheraton Russell Hotel in Manhattan and the Radisson Metrodome Hotel in Minneapolis. Her events for Prince, the World Champion Minnesota Twins, and Tom Petty were noteworthy.

Then for a second time, the world shattered for Ruth when in her late 30’s. She had a Grand Mal seizure at work, was diagnosed with an arteriovenous malformation and suffered a 12 hour brain surgery in 1990. The surgery did not go well and Ruth spent the summer in rehab learning to walk and talk all over again. Against all odds, lacking a right temporal lobe, Ruth regained her basic abilities once more by the end of the summer. But her treasured career was over – she never worked again.

Another miracle followed this first. Cal Whitney was born in March, 1991.

Ruth persevered and raised her children at her Eagle Lake home in Maple Grove, MN. She cheered her Christopher for all of his All Conference football career. For Chris’s state meet swimming events. Ruth was right there at poolside. While Cal received her mom’s unwavering support and graduated from Hamline in 2013.

For the last chapter of her life, living in Savannah, she enjoyed traveling around the country with John, hunting for gators on golf cart rides among the salt marshes, attending gourmet club, playing solitaire, getting her nails done, and eating whatever sweet treats she could conjure.

She leaves behind her dedicated husband John Sargent; her favorite son Christopher Sargent of St. Paul, MN; her favorite daughter Cal Whitney Sargent currently residing in LA; her siblings Janet (Lehnertz) Williams, Bill Lehnertz, Michael Lehnertz, step-sister Pat (Cierzan) Thornton and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Peace be with you.

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