Roger Lehrer, Sr.

Entered Into Eternal Rest

Tuesday November 14, 2023

Roger A. Lehrer, Sr.

Age 82 passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 14, 2023, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center – Neenah. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer just seventeen days prior. He had declined invasive treatments choosing quality of life over longevity. Hoping for more time to spend with family and friends. He was looking forward to getting together for dinner. Unfortunately, he had complications and required hospitalization on Sunday afternoon. He received excellent care from the doctors, nurses, and CNAs. Tuesday morning, Father Bob Kollath came to see Roger in the hospital. He performed the last rites and a prayer service for the family. Roger passed surrounded by his entire family, including three of his grandchildren. The energy of the room was overwhelmed with peace and grace. The only wish unfulfilled was for him to have been at home.

Roger had an amazing talent to be able to visualize an idea and bring it to fruition without any pattern. It is evident in his woodworking, landscaping, interior designs, exteriors of garages and homes. He also had the most amazing green thumb. Perhaps it came from the farming background. He recently discovered a new interest of family genealogy.

Roger was born April 4, 1941, in Town of Bovina, WI. Son of the late Robert R. and Katherine B. (Hopfensperger) Lehrer. He grew up in a large family of two girls and six boys on a farm in Shiocton. He was the third generation of contractors and was self-employed.

He married Lilas Buss on October 20, 1962, at St. Mary church in Menasha. They celebrated their 35^th wedding anniversary two days before her passing. Sharon Baer became his partner and fiancée for the next 25 years.

He is survived by his fiancée, Sharon Baer; daughter Catherine (Steven) Lehrer Franzen; two sons: Roger (Kerrie) Lehrer, Jr., John Lehrer; six grandchildren: Cassandra (James) Hegner, Alexis (Johnathan) Elliott, Lily Lehrer, David (Tara) Lehrer, Brandon Lehrer (special friend, April Travis); step grandchild, Bryan Brower; seven great grandchildren: Moxie, Kyomi, Lonzin Hegner, Beatrice and Nashoba Elliott, Alyza Mitchler, Karli Lehrer; sister, Rosemary Weninger; two brothers: Dennis (Elayne) Lehrer, Roy (Linda) Lehrer; sisters-in-law: Martha Lehrer, Marilyn Lehrer; and special friend, Carolyn Lehrer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lilas Lehrer; parents, Robert and Katherine Lehrer; son, Christopher Lehrer;  sister, Theresa Zoesch; brothers: Robert, Richard, and Reinhold Lehrer; sister-in-law, Eunice Lehrer; brothers-in-law: Mike Weninger, and Otto Zoesch.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11am with a visitation starting at 10am at St. Gabriel Catholic Church with Father Bob Kollath officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Margaret Cemetery. Friends may also visit Friday from 5pm – 7pm at St. Gabriel Catholic Church with a prayer service at 6:15pm.