Allen Lehman

Allen Lehman, age 86, passed away Monday, April 16, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Eau Claire with his children at his side. Allen was born on January 24, 1932 in Alma, Wisconsin to Clarence and Orma Lehman. He grew up on a dairy farm and spent his whole life in his beloved town of Mondovi. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Ruth Hanson. They were married for 60 years before she lost her battle with cancer and died only two years ago. Allen and Ruth had three children. Allen was a member of the National Guard and was called up for active duty during the Berlin Crisis. He spent 9 months at Fort Lewis in Washington awaiting a deployment that fortunately never came. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church where he remained an active lifetime member. He was also an active member of the VFW, Conservation Club and Lion’s Club where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow Humanitarian Award. Allen’s career spanned 5 decades. He began his working days at the Mondovi Telephone Company. He then worked for Gateway Credit for many years where he met his lifelong friend Erv Schmidt. Allen’s last and most rewarding career venture took him to Northern Investment where he eventually took over the company. He loved the work he did there, clerking and financing farm auctions and household sales. In his “retirement” he could still be found spending time at the Mondovi office with his “second family”, Richard and Michael Warner, Debbie Bechel and Amy Mayer, who all loved and took care of him like their own father. For that we are forever grateful. Allen moved his family to a 90-acre hobby farm north of Mondovi in 1963 where they raised their children. Allen loved life on the farm and worked hard making that little piece of property into a beautiful home and life for his family. There was never a time when the kids didn’t have a new puppy, baby chicks, a goat, owl or anything that needed a new home. It was a wonderful place to grow up. Perhaps Al’s biggest passion was his love of sports. He still attended many Mondovi football and basketball games, and seldom missed watching the Packers, Badgers, or Brewers. His trips to the state basketball tournament with his good friends, Ronnie Odegard, Bob Konkol, Galen Hagen and his nephew Jim were truly highlights for him. But, his greatest treasures were his wife, children, and grandchildren. Allen was all about family, nothing mattered more to him. In 1991, Allen and Ruth moved into their home in town, complete with a swimming pool. They spent many wonderful years there entertaining family and friends alike as it was an amazing gathering spot for all. Right up to the end, Al could be found most mornings at 6:00 a.m. with his favorite group of guys having coffee, shaking dice, and talking it up. They were truly his support system. He was a regular at Double D’s and the White Pig….his favorite spots in town!! Al’s last 9 months were spent in an apartment at the Homeplace in Mondovi. He liked it very much there and was quickly known and loved by all. With his quick wit and teasing personality, he charmed the staff and residents alike and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. His family was very appreciative of the care and love he received there until his final days. The people of Mondovi all looked out for and took care of Al in his last years. How very lucky he was…how very lucky we all were. Allen is survived by his three children, Cindy (Terry) Brenner of Wausau, Jan Brenner of Eau Claire, and Rick (Jean) Lehman of Eau Claire; three grandchildren, Lucas Lehman, Maggie and Mitch Brenner; his brother Carroll (Karen) Lehman, and sister-in-law Phyllis Lehman. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents, Clarence and Orma Lehman; his granddaughter Kaitlin Marie Brenner; his brothers, Kenneth Lehman, Stan Lehman; his sister, Donna Fredrickson; sister-in-law Carolyn Lehman, and brother-in-law Maurice Fredrickson, and his two nephews Jon Fredrickson and Jerry Fredrickson. A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Mondovi, on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Norman Ruthenbeck officiating. A visitation will be held at Talbot Family Funeral Homes-Mondovi Chapel on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and then again at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Lastly, a special thank you to all of his wonderful friends and family who were a continual source of help for our father when we couldn’t be there. A very special thank you to our cousins, Joy and Mike DeWire and Holly and Jim Hesselman. Also to his neighbors David Pace, Jackie Brenner and Erin, and friends Perry Nyseth, Ed Mahlum, Ray Johnston and David and Missy Dregney. They say it takes a village…Mondovi is our village and you are our family. Thank you all!!