Robert M. Lehner

Robert M. Lehner, 96, of Osceola, IN, passed away on Thursday May 11, 2023 at the Center for Hospice Care Raclin House, Mishawaka. He was born on September 21, 1926, in Granger, IN, to the late Paul, Sr. and Katherine (Lendway) Lehner. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara Lehner, his son, Kevin G. Lehner, three sisters; Anna Wiener, Mary Billngsley and Katherine Doyle and four brothers; Martin Lehner, Paul Lehner II, Michael Lehner and Joseph Lehner.

Robert grew up on his parents farm in Granger in a family of nine children. It was during the depression, so times were tough, but he learned many lifelong core values such as working hard, being resourceful, dependable, and trustworthy.

Robert graduated from Washington/Clay High School.. He joined the Army and was enlisted in 1945-1946 at the end of WWII.

On May 12, 1956 he married Barbara A. Palicki at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Bend, IN and together they would start a family raising five children. He was a wonderful husband and father who would do anything for his family. He was also always willing to lend a hand to help a friend. Robert was a kind and loving member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, previous to that he was a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for over 50 years. He was a member of Knights of Columbus #5570 Council. Robert worked as a timekeeper for Sollitt Construction for 20 years, then went on to work for Bendix as a Machinist for 15 years, before his retirement in 1990.

He and his wife enjoyed retired life together wintering in Florida for many years. Robert always supported his children’s activities, and coached his kids teams. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching sports, especially IU basketball, the Chicago White Sox, and the Indianapolis Colts. He loved bowling at PNA 83, and also playing golf which he was able to do into his early 90’s. He enjoyed spending time outdoors working in his yard, and in his garden growing tomatoes—one of his favorite things to eat. He was also known for his love of ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, and a sweet tooth in general, some traits he clearly passed on.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Karen (Tim) Legge of South Bend, his sons; Robert Lehner, Jr. of Mishawaka, David Lehner of Osceola and Mark Lehner of North Hills, CA, six grandchildren; Daniele (Jeremy) Dallman of Kirkland, WA, Kristin (James) Schragg of Granger, Samantha and Luke Legge, both of South Bend, Robby Lehner of Mishawaka and Paul Lehner Dawson of Niles, MI, nine great-grandchildren; Maya and Ella Dallman, both of Kirkland, WA, Issac and Noah Lehner, both of Mishawaka, Kendal, Jameson and Kalahan Schragg of Granger and Zaiden Lehner Dawson of Niles and by a sister, Elizabeth Adkin of Burton, MI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday May 26, 2023 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Road, Osceola, where friends may visit prior to the Mass starting at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice Foundation, Supporting Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or to Queen of Peace Church. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

Posted online on May 15, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

05/15/2023 EJS