Robert Lehman

Robert "Bob" F. Lehman, age 89, of Willmar, died peacefully Sunday evening, July 3, at Rice Care Center in Willmar.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 7, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM with Parish Prayers at 5 PM and Knights of Columbus Rosary at 7 PM on Wednesday, July 6, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cardinal Pride, Willmar Public School Foundation or the Willmar Area Food Shelf are preferred.
Robert "Bob" Fred Lehman was born on June 13, 1922, on the family farm near Dakota City, Iowa, the son of Louis and Minnie (Hintch) Lehman. He grew up in Blue Earth and graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1940. From 1942-1945, Bob served in the U.S. Army as a Master Sargent medic in Europe. He was stationed in England just outside of London, and experienced the Blitz firsthand. On August 27, 1946, in Easton, Minnesota, Bob was united in marriage to Loretta C. Anderson. They were married for 55 years, until Loretta's death in 2000. He attended Mankato State University and graduated in 1948 with a B.S. in Mathematics. Later that year they moved to Willmar and Bob began employment with the Willmar Public Schools as a math teacher and coach, retiring in 1987. He coached both boys' track and gymnastics for many years at Willmar High School. The annual mathematics contest held at the Willmar Junior High was organized and instituted under Bob's leadership.
Throughout Bob's life, he received numerous awards and recognitions such as the Silver Beaver Award from the Boy Scouts of America, St. George Award from the Diocese of New Ulm for his dedication to Scouting, Kiwanis Touch-A-Life Award for his volunteering service to humanity and Volunteer of the Year Award from the Willmar Senior Citizens.
Bob was a faithful, active member of the Church of St. Mary, serving as a Hospitality Minister, usher and counting the weekly collection. He was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and served in most offices from Grand Knight to Trustee. Bob was also a longtime member of the Willmar Elks Club, the V.F.W. and American Legion Post.
Bob volunteered much of his time and talents with many local and state organizations including the Kandiyohi County Historical Society, Parade Chairman for Kaffe Fest, Rice Hospital, Barn Theater, Meals on Wheels, Willmar Area Food Shelf, and various AARP events. He served as Commissioner's Staff of Lakota District - Viking Council of Boy Scouts of America and was also active for many years with the local D.F.L. Party, American Federation of Teachers, and the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Bob was a lover of events and parties of all sizes, whether tailgating at Gophers' football homecoming or cheering on the Willmar Girls Cardinals' basketball team; a golf outing in Willmar or a fishing trip to Canada; settling down to reading the newspaper and a crossword puzzle at home or going out to his weekly lunch with kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. His hobbies and interests were many, and he always liked new experiences and adventures.
Bob encouraged his children with high expectations whatever their endeavors. He was supportive no matter the outcome, and his patience was manifested in his belief that more attempts lead to more successess. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude throughout his entire life. Blessed be his memory!
He is survived by his six children, Steven (and Nancy Ellen) Lehman of Inver Grove Heights, Katie Bates of Fairbanks, AK, Charles (and Nancy) Lehman of St. Louis Park, Ginna (and Marvin) Calvin of New London, Margie (and Paul) Rock of Belgrade and Cricket Lehman of St. Louis Park; thirteen grandchildren, Alex Bates, Jeremiah Bates, Ben (and Cosy) Cornelius-Bates, Dan Bates, Vicki Nguyen, Amy Lehman, Scott Lehman, Michelle (and Greg) Dalle, Robert (and Tabatha) Calvin, Sara Reller, Johanna Reller (and Luis Garcia), Jessica Rock and Jenny Rock and ten great grandchildren, Malachi, Creston, Kayloni, Tobyn, Nolan, Hunter, Ella, Natalie, Andrew and Logyn. Also surviving are two brothers, Elmer (and Margaret) Lehman of Blue Earth and Max (and Val) Lehman of Anoka, besides other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Loretta in 2000; four brothers, William, George, Roy and Earl and two sisters, Pearl and Ada.