Leonard “Lenny” Thomas Monnin,

Age 74, of Russia, Ohio, passed away from natural causes surrounded by family at his country home Friday afternoon, May 16, 2025.  He was born August 7, 1950, to the late J. Wilson & Violet (Marshall) Monnin.  On June 15, 1974, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Newport, Lenny married his wife of fifty years, Diane (Peltier) Monnin who survives.  Also surviving are three children: Jenna & Josh Bonnoront of Newport, Katie & Matt Bensman of Webster and Justin Monnin & Hannah Kichline of Dayton; five of six grandchildren: Harlow and Lennox Bonnoront, Violet (dec.), Wren, Willow and Hawthorn Bensman; six siblings: Betty & Ron Eiting of Minster, Ken Monnin of Minster, Vic & Wanda Monnin of Russia, Wilson & Peggy Monnin of Sidney, Dan Monnin of Versailles and Mike & Connie Monnin of Russia; sisters & brothers-in-law: Judy Monnin of Russia, Dale Marchal of Englewood, Mike Peltier of Round Rock, TX, Craig & Betty Peltier of Piqua, Jeff & Donna Peltier of Piqua and Peggy & Walter Kellems of Piqua, along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by four siblings: Tony Monnin, Richard Monnin, Rose Marchal and infant Joseph Monnin as well as sisters-in-law: Janet Monnin, Theresa Lyle and Karen Peltier.

Graduating in 1968 as Valedictorian from Russia High School, he went on to study engineering at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. His dedication to meaningful, honest labor proved itself in 41 years of loyal service as a U.S. Postal carrier for the city of Piqua, Ohio. After retiring in 2018, he volunteered for the non-profit Buckeye Trail Association, maintaining trails for fellow hikers for the past 9 years.

Lenny was a multifaceted deep thinker and voracious reader, who had a great love and appreciation of music.  His curiosity about the world and beyond never ceased. However, he found his greatest peace in nature, especially in the woods and the garden, and was a true student and steward of God’s creation. His greatest joy resided in his family – especially in his grandkids and his dogs. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Newport with Rev. Stephen Mondiek presiding.  Interment will follow at the church cemetery.  Family and friends may call Wednesday, 4:00 to 7:00 PM and Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 AM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buckeye Trail Association (P.O. Box 5, Shawnee, OH 43782, for more information visit www.buckeyetrail.org).  Private condolences may be expressed at the gehretfuneralhome.com website.