Lennis Sigrist

Lennis Sigrist, age 83, of Byron, MN, died on May 22, 2021 at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Lennis Marie Rauenhorst was born September 19, 1937 in Kasson, MN, to Joseph and Dora (Sommars) Rauenhorst. She grew up helping her parents and siblings farm in southeastern Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. She graduated from Pine Island (MN) High School in 1955.

After graduation, she worked for cousins in Renner, SD, in their family-owned café, store, and locker business. Upon moving back to MN, she worked at the Green Parrot Café in Rochester and the Fox’s Grocery Store in Pine Island.

On August 11, 1957, Lennis married Kenneth Stanley Sigrist at the Niagara Cave Chapel near Harmony, MN. They purchased and farmed Kenneth’s family’s farm in Roscoe township, rural Pine Island. Lennis also worked seasonally at the Pine Cheese Mart and later at Reiter’s Fareway Grocery and Tipka Grocery in Pine Island, eventually becoming produce manager.

The couple retired from farming and moved to Byron, MN, in 1999. Lennis was a member of Byron UMC and the Red Hat Society. She also enjoyed garage sales, cooking and baking, jigsaw and word search puzzles, going out to eat, gardening, and visiting with family and friends.

She is survived by a daughter, Rev. Deanna (Rev. Mark) Woodward of Preston, MN, a son, Bryan (Kristine) Sigrist of Mantorville, MN, a sister, Carol Montgomery of Brookings, SD, a sister-in-law, Lois Angle, of Volga, SD; seven grandchildren, Laura (John) Riess, Tony (Erin) Sigrist, Amy (Wilson) Cahill, Michael, Matthew, Nicholas, and Rachel Sigrist; five great-grandchildren, Daniel, Molly, Grace, Connor, and Caira; and several nieces and nephews.

Lennis was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kenneth in 2017, three sisters, Mabel, Margaret, and Alyce; and two brothers, Bill and Bernard.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 26, at Mahn Funeral Home – Mahler Chapel in Pine Island from 4-7 pm

Funeral service will be held at Byron United Methodist Church at 11 AM, on Thursday, May 27, with one hour visit before the funeral.

Memorials are preferred to the charity of the donor's choice.