Weldon J. Lehman

May 28, 1922 - May 14, 2012

Weldon John Lehman, age 89, of Berne passed away at his home in the Swiss Village Retirement Community on May 14, 2012. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Weldon was born on a farm near Berne on May 28, 1922, the seventh and youngest child of William and Caroline (Flueckiger) Lehman. He graduated from Geneva High School in 1940.

After graduation from high school he took over the operation of the family farm while his brothers served in civilian public service during WW II. On September 12, 1944 Weldon was married to Vera Balsiger, she preceeded him in death on December 16, 1999. On December 30, 2000, Weldon married Betty (Nussbaum)Rich. She survives.

In the late 1940's, along with a business partner, purchased the Berne Hi-Way Hatchery. He was the owner and manager for close to 40 years, retiring in 1984.

He was a lifelong member of the First Mennonite Church where he served 40 years as a
Sunday School teacher and 12 years as a deacon. He was a past member of Gideon's International. He spent over 35 years as a volunteer at Children's Bible Mission in Polk City, Florida. This service at Camp Gilead was very dear to his heart and he felt called to give of his time serving God in this way. He and his wife Vera assisted in starting the Maplewood Mennonite Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was a generous benefactor to various church organizations and missions throughout his life.

He is survived by five children, Janet (Wayne) Schantzenbach of Coopersburg, Pa., Bill (Gretta) Lehman of Berne, Sara (Henry) Braun, Cassapolis, Mi., Pastor Tim (Susan) Lehman of Sterling, Oh., and Kathleen (David) Bauman of Berne, three step-children, Karen (Don) Emberlin, Pastor John (Kathy) Rich, and Lora (Craig) Sprunger, 12 grandchildren, Amy Hagar, Matthew Schantzenbach, Kimberly Alberson, Jaclyn O'
dell, Joseph, Timothy, and Jeremy Braun, Kristen Grant, Brandon ,Brent, Karlyn, and Blake Bauman. Nine step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 6 step great-grandchildren. One sister, Viola(Andrew) Shelly Newton, Ka.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Willis, Carl, and Dennis Lehman; two sisters, Louise Stamm and Mary Ann Lehman; and a grandson, Marc Braun.

Funeral services are Thursday, May 17 at 10:30 am at the First Mennonite Church with calling 1 hour prior to services. Visitation also Wednesday from 2 to 8 pm at the Yager-Kirchhofer Funeral Home. Officiating is Pastor Jerry Flueckiger.

Burial at the MRE Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Gideon's International &/or Mennonite Mission Network.