Karl Lehman

Karl Frederick Lehman, 89, of rural Madelia, died July 15, 2025, at his home.

A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11:00 am, at First Lutheran Church in Saint James with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with military honors will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Saint James. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Karl was born February 10, 1936, to Arthur and Kathryn (DeWall) Lehman in Ceresco Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. He graduated from Saint James High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army as a tank mechanic from 1958-1961. On March 15, 1958, Karl married Phyllis Gruis at First Lutheran Church in Saint James. Together they raised five children.

Karl worked as a crop and dairy farmer for many years as well as a mechanic. He retired from Fleet Farm in Saint James as a small engine repairman. Karl was an excellent repairman who could truly fix anything at work or at home.

In his free time, Karl enjoyed golfing, fishing, making wine, producing honey, and watching sports and westerns on TV. He grew an extra large garden and enjoyed being generous with his produce, often donating to area food shelves and sharing with family and co-workers. Karl was known for his clever wit, good humor and was the king of dad jokes. Karl was proud to be the very first wrestler on the mat at the start of the wrestling program in Saint James. Time with his family was very important to Karl, especially attending his grandchildren's activities and around the holidays, bringing everyone together.

Karl is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Brian (Cindy) Lehman, Leanne (Douglas) Scott, Kevin Lehman, Jason (Mary) Lehman, and Karyn (Karl) Wassman; grandchildren, Alyssa, Matthew, Sid, Hayden, Oden, Cora, Kade, Kody, and Kathryn; sister, Ardis Moy; and sister-in-law, Mary Lehman.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albert (Darlene) Lehman and Arden Lehman; brother-in-law, John Moy; and niece, Angela Moy.