Columbia, Illinois- Walter D. Lehman passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday April 19, 2023. Walter was born November 29, 1954 in Flint, Michigan and is the son of Dale F. and Kay J. Lehman.
A 1972 honors graduate of Lakeville High School, he went on to earn his Masters Degree in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1977. He worked for Anheuser-Busch until 2008 and then Sverdrup-Parcel Engineering before retiring in 2014.
Walter married the love of his life, Donna (Coy) in September of 1987. Walter’s passion and heart remained in Michigan and together they would spend their summers at their Cabin on the Ausable River outside of Grayling. He was an avid cyclist, a connoisseur of craft beers, bled Maize n Blue, and passionate about being on the river. Perhaps most imortanly, Walter committed himself to the institution of extended family and friends.
Walter is survived by his parents Dale and Kay Lehman of Greenville, Michigan, loving wife Donna Lehman of Columbia, Illinois, daughter Stacey and husband Neil Quick of Imperial, MO., daughter Kelly and husband Brandon Formann of Hillsboro, MO, four grandchildren; Taylor and Trever Quick , Gavin and Mason Formann, three siblings Marion (Lehman) and husband Keith Maxwell of Midland, Ohio, David and wife Cindy Lehman of Greenville, MI., Karl and wife Jennifer Lehman of Columbus, Ohio, sister-in-law Patricia Coy of Columbia, Illinois, eight nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
Services: In recognition of his eternal faith, services for celebration and remembrance will be held Sunday April 23, 3PM at Episcopal Church of the Advent (9373 Garber Rd. 63126). Memorials to World Bird Sanctuary (https://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/) appreciated. A service of KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL.
Keith and I are so sorry for your loss. We hope you can lean on your family and friends for comfort and support, now and always.
I am so saddened to hear of Walt’s passing. We grew up together in Otter Lake and graduated together. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We were heartbroken to hear about Walt’s passing. Our thoughts, hugs and prayers are with all of you.
The Coffing family sends prayers, and wishes to get thru your hard times.
I’m so sorry for the loss of my friend, Walt. Always a good friend and great classmate, rest in piece my friend
My sincere condolences to the Lehman family on the sudden tragic loss. Walt was a great person and loved to talk about his family. He was alway so positive and smiling. For me I have lost a lifelong friend. Walt was my roommate in college, coworker and best man at my wedding. I will always remember the good times we had together. You don’t get many friends in life that last as many years as I had with Walt. I miss you already.
R. I. P. my friend.
John
To the entire Lehman family we are deeply saddened for your loss . Walt was a good man and we all will miss him dearly. He was alway so proud of his family and loved talking about it. You only get a few lifelong friends and Walt was one of them for me. He was a great roommate in college, co-worker and was the best man at our wedding. I miss him already and it’s only been a few days. I will always remember the good times we had together. RIP my friend.
John Snyder
Otter Lake, LakeVille, Michigan Tech and time spent canoeing his river (the AuSable) allowed for many memories and stories to be told. So kind, gentle and unassuming. Campfires at the Cabin, beer officionado, Mackinac Island and the class reunions are among my fondest memories of Walt. Being greeted with a hearty hug and big smile whenever LuAnn and I met up with him and Donna will be what I try and keep in mind when thinking of Walt…after I stop the tears from flowing.
Walt my friend I will truly miss you and I will always remember the good times
Jim and Lucy of Grayling send deepest condolences to Donna Lehman and the entire Lehman family. We have so many wonderful memories visiting with Walt and Donna on their dock along the AuSable River, and meeting their family and so many friends. Walt was an incredibly warm, happy man and genuinely interested in meeting and talking with everyone he met. We will miss him so much.
We lost a good friend to soon. If you need anything let us know. We miss him already. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful friend and I have great memories of Walt and our fun times together. I will dearly miss our time together.
Prayers, love and hugs ❤️
RIP Walt
Our condolences to Donna and all of Walt’s family. A truely great guy and friend to so many was taken from us too soon. Going to miss talking Michigan sports and having a beer with him. RIP Walt and Go Blue.
We are so sorry for your loss Donna and all the Lehman family. Walt was one of the first people we met when we moved to St Louis. Our daughter Beth and Stacy met when they were infants in 1977. We had many good times over the years. We have many fond memories at Walt and Donna’s house in Columbia swimming in the pool, having awesome bonfires and meeting many new friends. Donna and Walt also invited us to their home in Grayling Michigan and showed us a great time. I am very thankful to have these wonderful memories and will miss him.
Kathy and Steve Dieter
Remember the friendship you held for the Stockton family.
RIP Walt
I enjoyed working with Walt at A-B. Always pleasant, positive, and upbeat. I have wondered about him occasionally as I look for past acquaintances on FB, but never saw him. He shared some interesting stories of Michigan with me, one being a snowfall so high he could slide down from his second story home window. Rest in peace Walter D. I know you’ll be missed by many.
Karl. Our thoughts and condolences are with you. Kathleen and I have both lost our parents, so we are with you as you grieve, but dedicate your pursuit to the gifts provided from all who have contributed to your life. May God Bless you and yours as you continue the Lehman legacy. Ross and Kathleen
So sad to hear about Walt’s passing. I worked with Walt for many years at AB. Walt was a prince of a man, he will be missed.
I too enjoyed working with Walt. He was always in great spirits and, as I recall, he had a passion for basketball. Again, as I recall, he ran the March Madness pools – – – ah, fond memories and he will be missed!
My deepest sympathies to all. Donna, you and Walt were great neighbors! Always willing to help. And I loved our get togethers at your house and Reif’s. You both have been great friends! RIP, Walt. Donna, if you need someone to talk with or have a glass (bottle) of wine….I’m here! Love ya!
Walter is one of the finest men I have had the pleasure of calling my friend. From the day he walked me to kindergarten, he has always extended his friendship. Thank you for all the memories. My sincere sympathies to his wife Donna, and his entire family. As always, you are in my thoughts.
Our sincere condolences to Donna and family.
We remember Walt for his uncommon generosity to his many friends, for his extreme hospitality and steadfast faith. Although Walt’s leadership and expertise in environmental stewardship will be greatly missed. His good works continue to impact our communities and world by preserving and protecting our fragile environment. Our world is a better place because of you…Thank you, Walt!
May the Peace of the Lord be with you and yours always.
Never forgotten and Forever in our Hearts, Friend. Much Love
Doug and Janet Bigham
Our hearts are broken over the loss of Walt. Our hearts and prayers go out to Donna and the Lehman family. So many wonderful memories we’ve had together sense you have come up to Grayling. On the river, Camp fires Road trips, Restaurants, Micro breweries, I can go on and on. RIP Our dear friend, We will truly miss you.
Donna and I grew up on the same street in south St.Louis. My heart is so sad for the loss of her husband Walt. She told me stories of how they loved being on the river up in Michigan. No words can express, nor can I imagine the emptiness she must feel. My condolences to all the members of the family.! Kathy Ginther Mix
We were glad to have visited a few years back and sorry we weren’t able to make the reunion. Wish we could have visited more often. He will be missed. You and your family will be in our prayers.
Walt and I met and worked closely together for all my years at A-B. I am certain there was never a harder working and more passionate employee as Walt. Still, he cherished the balance of friends and family, and I remember many great out-of-office activities, especially the fun and frustration of Michigan football. I’ll always remember making the pilgrimage to Grayling a few years ago where Walt felt so at home. He and Donna were the perfect hosts. Donna is an absolute lovely lady, and I pray that she is strong through this time. Go Blue! Al