Saturday, November 15, 2014 ~ 10:30 a.m.
First Christian Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Interment at Ashland Cemetery ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Military Honors by American Legion Post #129
Friday, November 14, 2014 ~ 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Marcy Chapel ~ Ashland, Nebraska
First Christian Church or
(benefit of Grandson) to Community Outreach – Wisconsin
122 East Olin Ave; Suite 100
Madison, Wisconsin 53713
Donald J. Lehr, 89 of Ashland, NE, entered into rest on Monday, November 10, 2014 at Silver Ridge Assisted Living in Gretna, NE. He was born August 26, 1925 in rural Ashland to Ira and Myrtle (Linebaugh) Lehr. After Donald graduated from Ashland High School in 1942, he went on to serve in the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged in 1946. After serving his country, he attended college at the University of Nebraska. He received his Bachelor degree in 1949 and then his Master degree in 1959. On June 22, 1947, he was united in marriage to Merna Newsham at the First Christian Church in Ashland.
Donald worked as a vocational agriculture instructor for 7 years in Papillion and then two years as an executive secretary of the Nebraska grains improvement association. He also worked in the University of Nebraska extension office as a grain specialist in the marketing department. He spent time working as a grain merchandiser for West Central which later became FARMAR Co. Donald and his family moved to Wood River where he served as the president of Farmers CO-OP for 5 years. Then he became the president and general manager of Neuswangers in Alliance, NE. After his retirement in 1988, Don and Merna moved to Ashland.
Donald was a member of the First Christian Church in Ashland, American Legion Post #129, Masonic Lodge #110 AF & AM, Sesostis Shrine, and the Platte Valley Shrine Club. He loved Nebraska football, playing golf and spending time in the garden. Most of all, he enjoyed the time spent with his family.
He is survived by wife, Merna Lehr; children, Sherry (Gary) Swanson of Parker, CO, Dr. Steve (Donna) Lehr of Shell Knob, MO, Stuart (Jim Elliott) Lehr of Sonoma, CA, Shiela Kuhn of Madison, WI, Scott (Dawn) Lehr of Kansas City, MO; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Francis Lehr and Ira Lehr Jr.; and sister, Grace Shubert.
Pastor Lisa Sherman will be officiating the service and Pastor Mike Njus will be the eulogist.
So sorry to read about Don’s death. Remember him and his family in my prayers for comfort and peace with The Lord. For part of my grade school, Don was my study school teacher at St Pauls Methodusu Church in Papillion. Blessings to the family.
Cindy Morrison.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lehr family. We are sorry to hear of Don’s death.
Merna & family – I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. Sending you hugs, love & sympathy.
Jan Snodgrass, Wood RIver NE
Merna and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss of Don. We have so many wonderful memories of you and your family, not only Don as one of my favorite teachers but as a neighbor and friend. I am sorry we cannot be with you as we are headed to California in the morning but our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your happy memories sustain you now in your loss and keep Don in your hearts forever. Bless you all.
Merna.& Family,
We were sorry to read of Don’s death. He was really a nice man and we enjoyed knowing both of you when we all lived in Wood River and attented the Methodist Church. Our sympathy you and your family.
Jerry and Bonita Hawley
Omaha, NE
Merna and Family, We are thinking of you and lifting you and your family up in our prayers at this time of loss. Don was a great man and will be missed dearly. Our Sincerest Condolences, Carry and Julie Crist Family, Crete, Ne.
Merna and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Don will be missed by many people. You are in my prayers.
Thoughts with the Lehr family in the loss of their husband and father. I remember Mr. and Mrs. Lehr fondly from St. Paul’s Methodist in Papillion and all the good times with March Breezes and Don and Helen Marsh.
A very important part of my life was spent at the Lehr’s house and because I am lucky enough to have Sheila as my best friend I was lucky enough to have known Mr. Lehr. Your family is and will always be very special to me and whether it’s band trips or crashed cars Mr. Lehr will always have a special place in my heart. My thoughts are with you at this tough time but I know there will be lots of memories to help you through. An extra hug to Mrs. Lehr from me and Sheila I’m here for you always. Deb
On behalf of the Neuswanger family, I want to express our condolences at Don’s death. I remember your time in Alliance and
Getting to know the Lehr’s. Take care of yourselves at this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Linda Neuswanger Novak
Omaha, Ne
.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. We are so sorry to hear of Don’s death. I always enjoyed Don’s friendly smile during the yrs I worked for Steve at Crete Vision. He was a wonderful man & we know he will be greatly missed by all of you. May God give you peace & comfort in the days ahead. Sincerely, Greg & Vicki Arfmann
We were saddened to read about the loss of your father. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in loving memories.
Dr, Bessler, Mary, B.J. and Katie
Stu – Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family! We will keep you all close in our hearts as you make your way through this difficult chapter of life. God bless and comfort each of you. We love you!
Stu – We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May you fill your heart and mind with all the love and laughter you have shared. We love you!
Sherry…I read of your dad’s passing. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May the comfort of family and friends see you thru these sad days and difficult ones ahead. thinking about you…love, Sharon Honaker Chvatal
To Mrs. Lehr, Sherry, and your families.. I was saddened to learn the news of Don’s passing. All who knew him experienced the warmth and kindness of a very special man. I pray you find comfort in knowing how much your friends care.
With deepest sympathy, Colleen Bowling Adam
Stu – I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Your family will be in my hearts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Dear Stu, we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to strengthen and keep you. Sincerely, Lourdes and Stan Johnson