Fred and Mary Lehman

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

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