John P. Lehmann

John Peter “Pete” Lehmann, 79 of Fort Atkinson, passed away on Thursday, December 19th at home following a valiant five-year battle with cancer.

John was born on January 28th, 1945, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin to August and Frieda (Gshwandtner) Lehmann.  John was the fourth of five children, born while on the farm in Mosinee, prior to moving back to Fort Atkinson.

John attended St. Jospeh’s Catholic School and graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1964.  John served in the United States Army from November 1964 until receiving an honorable discharge in November 1970.  John spent his training at the U. S. Army Artillery and Missile School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he received certification as a mechanic, working on tanks and heavy-duty trucks, as well as artillery transport.  After training, John was stationed in Korea as a mechanic during the Vietnam war. 

During his time in the armed forces, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal for serving during war time and a citation for his sharpshooter skills with a rifle. John received a letter of commendation for his quick thinking, good judgment, and rapid response to an emergency situation while in Korea. On January 1st, 1966, a fire broke out in the 7th Medical Battalion Motor Pool dispatch building, which John attempted to extinguish in its early stages.  Realizing that the fire could not be put out, John drove two 2 ½ ton trucks out of reach of the fire, as the “dispatch shack” burned to the ground.  John was honored for exemplifying the 7th Medical Battalion’s motto of Semper Serviens (Always Serving).

After returning home from the Army, John joined his father and older brother Augie in the construction business.  John also worked with his friend Jim Wollet, building various homes in the area, although much of his career was spent as a carpenter, working for various contractors across Wisconsin. 

On June 1st, 1974, John married Marion Klemm of East Troy at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in East Troy.  They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage this past June.

John loved to play cards, especially euchre, however he also enjoyed pinochle, sheepshead, canasta, and cribbage.  John was a relatively quiet soul with a warm sense of humor, and was known for his reassuring and lighthearted responses, even in the face of challenges.  Throughout his battle with cancer, his daughter would ask “How do you feel dad?” to which he would respond “With my fingers”.  A comforting joke that reflected his sense of humor and his way of letting her know he was doing alright.

John was predeceased by his parents August and Frieda, his brother Augie Lehmann, sisters Lillian Baker and Mary Hall; brothers-in-law John Baker, Jack Schwartz, and Andrew Kirchmayer; sister-in-law Jeanette Schwartz and his beloved black labrador K.C.

John is further survived by his wife of 50 years Marion; a daughter Michele (Fiancé Mark Skau) Lehmann, both of Fort Atkinson; Brother Fred (Karen) Lehmann of Delavan; sister-in-law Joyce Lehmann and brother-in-law Ron Hall both of Fort Atkinson; nieces Patty (Tom) Sehnert of Fort Atkinson, Lori (Jeremy) Goldman of Seaford, Delaware; Anne (Andy) Kirchmayer-Kirsteins of Greensboro, North Carolina; Ellen (Dennis) Hardaker and Barb (Wayne) Cesar both of East Troy and Sarah (Martin) Soto of Elkhorn; nephews Greg (Denise) Kirchmayer of Green Bay, Steve (Leanne) Lehmann, Mike (Lillian) Baker and Tim Baker, all of Fort Atkinson; John (Julie) Schwartz of East Troy and Jeremy Lehmann of Delavan.

Per John’s wishes, no formal services will be held however there will be a celebration of John’s life held in the Summer.

The family would like to thank the Fort Atkinson Fire, EMS and Police Departments for their diligence in trying to save John.  Also, a grateful thank you to the VA and UW Hospitals for their care of John through the years and during his battle with cancer.   

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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