Fred and Mary Lehman
January 01, 1970 — November 12, 2023
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Service Details
Fred and Mary Lehman were called to heaven on Sunday, November 12, 2023, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Fred Lehman was born January 13,1947 to Warren and Mildred Lehman in Boone, Iowa. Fred grew up on his parent's dairy farm and gravel pit in Polk City. He was known for how fast he ran on foot as a young boy and also in his car avoiding the cops on the back gravel roads as a teenager. Fred attended UNI to become a history teacher, but soon transferred to Open Bible College where he graduated as an ordained minister, following the call the Lord had placed on his life to be a pastor. He was an adrenaline junkie and loved things like car races, bungee jumping and parasailing. He was always making up funny songs, was a gifted storyteller, never knew a stranger and was quick to say, "I love you," to most anyone he encountered.
Mary Lehman was born June 14,1944 to William and Lucy Baker in Waterloo, Iowa. She spent time in the homes of close family after her parent's passing at early stages of her life. Mary was a mother to many, caring for the children of others and, in later years, running her own daycare. She always had little toys available to occupy children's time during Sunday services. Mary had a great sense of humor and loved a good, clean joke. She had a sweet tooth and was never without her diet orange Sunkist, chocolates and Mentos. Mary was known for her beautiful singing voice and even wrote some of her own songs. She loved the Gaither Vocal Band and other Christian music artists. Mary always followed the rules and appreciated things "by the book" and her foremost guidance came from the Bible itself. She was an incredible example to everyone around her of faithfulness, gentleness, kindness and patience.
Fred and Mary were married on August 13, 1966 and celebrated their 57th anniversary this year. Fred and Mary had a long history serving the least, the last and the lost. They worked and lived at Bethel Mission, served at Prevention in Chicago and Fred retired from Hope Ministries in 2018. Together they pastored churches in Dunning, Nebraska, Hanford and Swea City, Iowa and spent the longest with Bethel Open Bible here in Des Moines. Fred and Mary also served as missionaries in the Philippines in 1986. While Fred pastored, Mary stepped in as an active pastor's wife, leading women's conferences and retreats throughout the years. Mary retired from the Iowa Bar Association in 2015. In their final years, the couple worked for Vodec and graciously opened their home to a special "adopted son," Paul Strand, who they loved like their own. Fred and Mary were heavily involved in each of their children's lives and also in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They touched the lives of far too many people to count and opened their wallets, home and hearts to all. Their legacy is profound, far-reaching and something to be admired. They will never be forgotten.
Fred and Mary are survived by their beloved children, Michael (Josie) Lehman, Michelle (Alan) Vry, Lyndsay Lehman (Michael Howe) and Angie (Tom) Johnson; their beautiful grandchildren, Shelby Lehman, Shane Lehman (fiancé, Emilee Meyers), Kylie (Scott) Barnes, Tyler (Teressa) Vry, Isabella Howe, Tyler Howe, John Howe, Harrison Howe, Ashley Johnson, Katie Johnson and Logan Johnson; their loving great-grandchildren, Evelyn Lehman, Bodhi Barnes, Ripley Barnes, Rowdy Barnes and Rowan Vry; numerous nieces and nephews; other loving relatives and many treasured friends. Fred is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Barker, Jaynee (David) Headley, Carol Flickinger and Sherry Cates. Mary is also survived by her sister, Lois Troyer. Fred was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Norman Barker, Bob Flickinger, Marvin Cates and Dan Thompson. Mary was preceded in death by her siblings, Bill (Nancy) Baker and Joe (Joyce) Baker as well as her brother-in-law, Keith Troyer.
The family will greet friends on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at New Hope Assembly of God, 4425 70th St., Urbandale. A Celebration of Life for Fred and Mary will be Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. also at the church, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery, Madrid. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Community Chapel Open Bible Church, 414 E 27th St, Des Moines, Iowa 50317 or CommunityChapelDSM.org in loving memory of Fred and Mary.
Services will be livestreamed and on-line condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Shaelynn
11/22/2023
Devotional from November 12 2023
Endless Blessings November 12, 2023
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
The celebration of life was beautiful. You're all in my thoughts and prayers. We love you.
Trish Szymanski
11/22/2023
Mike, Michelle, Lyndsay, Angie, and the rest of the family,
My heart goes out to all of you. Your parents were wonderful examples of Christs love for each of us that knew them. I will always remember the shenanigans they could each get into with a smile and laugh. Many precious memories involve them. I wish I could have been there in person. My prayers are with you all now and for the coming weeks ahead. 💜
Trish
Karen Christensen Saleh
11/22/2023
What a beautiful service that was fitting for a beautiful couple. I could hear Mary singing Serenaded by Angels! She had such a beautiful voice. Fred was a precious pastor and such a man of God. I will forever recall him playing the rootin tootin cowboy at a Valentines banquet skit when they were at Hanford.. He had his hair slicked back with water and as it dried, curls would spring up! Plus his red pants he wore!! His heart was of pure gold as was Marys. Now they are walking on pure gold. See ya later! You will always be beloved by many.
Jeanniesue Kalar
11/22/2023
I pray for the family my heart go out to the family see it on the TV
Randy and Crystal Thomas
11/22/2023
What sad news this is. They are in a wonderful place
Eric Moore
11/22/2023
Fred and Mary lived down the street from our son and family. Fred had stopped to show his support for their racing ventures.
I have had the pleasure to know Mike & Josie and can understand the loss this family has endured!
Our family is so sorry to your family for this loss but rest assured Mary and Fred have earned and found eternal life with our Lord in heaven!
Rest in peace
Stephen Johnson
11/22/2023
I grew up on a farm 2 miles from Fred. Warren and my father were 2nd cousins. Fred and I went entirely through (K-12) school together, usually riding the same school bus. We were in high school band together and in 4-H. Fred had a little mischief in his eye as a youth, but he was always honest, sincere, and generous. He truly lived a life of service and unselfishness. I grieve the tragic loss of Fred and his wife Mary. I pray for strength for his wonderful family.
Cynthia Bertagnolli (Bombela)
11/21/2023
So sorry to hear about the loss of your parents. They were wonderful people and a joy to know. My family sends prayers and hugs.
Gayla Harrison
11/21/2023
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your parents. I knew your Mom from the Iowa State Bar Association. She was the nicest, most helpful individual. May God with you as you grieve their sudden loss.
Bob Peitzman
11/21/2023
I am shocked and saddened over the deaths of two wonderful and godly people. Fred is my first cousin , as my mother and Freds father (Uncle Warren) were siblings. My wife Brenda and I send our love and condolences from Texas. We are praying for the Lords peace and comfort for your family during this most difficult time.
Michaelene Chase
11/21/2023
I had the pleasure of meeting them both in my position as a nurse. Always so loving and caring. Your dad always ended our conversations with "God bless you." May the Lord give each of you solace in the coming days. He has gained two angels. God bless you Fred and Mary.
John P Wheeler
11/20/2023
Mary was a ray of sunshine at the Iowa State Bar Association. She had a warm smile and kind gesture for everyone she encountered. Fred was truly the life of the party at ISBA functions. Both Mary and Fred had so much more to give. We mourn their loss but celebrate lives well lived. My prayers go up for their family - may their memories remain a blessing in all whose lives were touched.
Chuck Kirkpatrick
11/20/2023
Sad to hear that Fred and Mary's lives were taking so suddenly.Was privileged to work with him at Bethel Mission..his home away from home.He always did(and still does) have a smile and an enthusiastic handshake,and always lent his ear to you! God is giving crowns Fred! May God continue blessing the entire Lehman family! Thank You Lyndsay for calling me and all the years you worked with Hope Ministries, I still remember your years at Bethel too!
Bryant Mitchell Raleigh
11/19/2023
I had the priviledge working with Fred and Mary as their associate for 2 years at Bethel Open Bible. They were wonderful to work along side with. They loved everyone they came in contact with although some of them were not that lovable.They were Great examples of the "Christian walk".
Courtney Nicole Harden
11/18/2023
Praying and praying some more. Fred and Mary were wonderfully kind, loving people. They loved their family and they loved the Lord. That much was evident. Love you all!!!