Obituary of Roger Karl Lehmann

Roger Karl Lehmann, 85, of Cambridge passed away on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Sylvan Crossings Assisted Living in Jefferson.

Roger was raised outside of Cambridge by his parents, Albert and Eliza (Kushke) Lehmann. He was born and raised on the family farm where he did what he loved, “Farming.” Roger attended Cedar Lake School, a one-room schoolhouse, and later Cambridge school.  He would often share the story of taking the grain-filled truck to the Cambridge mill where it would magically be ground into cattle feed while he attended school.  Some nights after chores, Roger would race his classmates to the downtown bowling alley where he would make a dime for each line of setting pins.  After accumulating ten dimes, he would exchange them with his mother for a dollar.

Roger enjoyed playing football and track.  It was there he met his sweet little blonde “Shirley Eide” who won his heart.  They would each ride their horses and meet at the crossroads of Hillside for an ice-cream. 

Shirley and Roger married in 1954. As many German families did, they resided in the upper portion of the farmhouse, while Roger’s parents lived in the lower.  Roger and Shirley made a good team.  In their early years, they often would race through evening chores and go dancing at Turner Hall of the Music Box.

A young man entered Roger’s Life, Ronnie Sweet, who was sixteen years old.  He came from a large family near Wisconsin Rapids.  His father had died at an early age and his mother was struggling with the family’s needs.  He came into live and work on the farm and attended Cambridge schools  with Roger and Shirley's five daughters. The Lehmann’s also hosted AFS students from Sweden and New Zealand.

Roger was a strong supporter of Cambridge FFA and often enjoyed auctioneering at benefits and took pride in the Sieverson Farm and promoted Ag education.

Roger was known as a hardworking, trusting, honest farmer.  In his world, a “handshake” was as good as a signed document.  He was always willing to help anyone who needed it and often lent out equipment and offered beneficial advice.  He loved his Berkshire hogs and attended shows and sales out of state.  On his way home from a hog show in Southern Illinois, it was dark, raining and he was tired.  He spotted a young soldier hitch-hiking, standing under a bridge.  He stopped and asked the young man, “Where are you headed?” The young man replied, “Rockford.” Roger offered him a ride and inquired if the soldier would like to drive to which the soldier replied “Yes.”  He threw him the keys and crawled in the backseat for some sleep.  He asked the soldier to wake him when he reached Rockford.

He was a life-long member of St. James Lutheran Church in Cambridge where he served on the council.

Roger has struggled with Parkinson’s Disease since 2011.  Life became a mobility struggle.  We are certain that he is walking and dancing  with those who have gone before him.

Roger is survived by his sister, Joyce Howe.  He leaves behind and will be dearly missed by his five daughters, Luann (Ron) Buccholz, Leann (Mike) Lehmann. Lori (Joel) Hebbe, Lisann (Kevin) Porter, Linda Lehmann; step-children, Candy and Allen Notbolm and their children; grandchildren, Dale Clark, Brian Clark, Lindsay Clark, Andrew Lehmann, Angel Lehmann, Aaron Lehmann, Mike Hebbe, Chris Hebbe, Alyse Hebbe; Isaac Porter, Carley Porter, and Jake Hollenbeck.  He is further survived by Ronnie (Kay) Sweet; and by many great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Lehmann and Jan (Notbolm) Lehmann; brother, Menzo Lehmann and sister, Eleanor Rahn.

Funeral services will take place at 1PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at St. James Lutheran Church in Cambridge.  Visitation will take place from 11AM until the time of burial.  Burial will take place after services at East Koshkonong Lutheran Church also in Cambridge.

Memorial may be designated to Cambridge FFA, St. James Lutheran Church or Rainbow Hospice.

A heartfelt thank you to Sylvan Crossings and Rainbow Hospice staff for your loving care.  Also, Pastor Jeffrey Schallert for the visits and kind words.

Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com