John Lehnen

John Edwin Lehnen, 87, of Lafayette, died at St. Anthony Healthcare in Lafayette Friday January 17, 2014. John was born in Lafayette May 8, 1926, the son of the late Louis W. and Mary Florence Straubringer Lehnen. John was a 1944 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School and attended Purdue University. He married Anita Jean Baldwin September 13, 1947, and they were married 51 years before her death April 13, 1998. John later married Joyce Ann Whitaker February 6, 1999 in Lafayette, and she survives. Mr. Lehnen owned and operated Lehnen's Furniture in Lafayette for 59 years, and he was very proud to see his son carry on the family business when he retired in 2005. John also farmed for 49 years and loved it. He was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church; the Knights of Columbus 53 years; was a member of the barbershop chorus, the "Tippecanotes" 48 years ; the "Heartland Harmonizers" in Sebring, FL for 10 years. John won three barbershop of the year awards and seventeen notes, having encouraged seventeen men to join their chorus. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as an Electronic Technician. Surviving with his wife are two daughters, Linda Andrews and Nancy Winningham (husband Mark) both of Lafayette; a son, John William Lehnen (wife Linda) of Rossville, IN.; and by two stepchildren, Renee Reed (husband Mark) of Clarks Hill, IN. and Daniel Whitaker (wife Bonnie) of Lafayette. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Marc and Craig Lehnen; Anjeanette Milner; Amber Martin; Audra, Lindsey, Ian and Janae Winningham; five step-grandchildren, Darcilyn Schriever, Levi and Travis Reed; Amber and Wade Whitaker; seven great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Louis Lehnen, Jr., Donald and Bob Lehnen and an infant sister, Mary Lehnen. Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia Street from 5 until 8 PM Monday, with the Rosary at 4:45 PM Monday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church 10:00 AM Tuesday Fr. Gustavo Lopez officiating. Interment to follow in St. Boniface Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 11. If friends desire, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation. Memories and condolences may be left at www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com. The family wishes to thank St. Anthony Healthcare staff for the excellent care John received while a patient there.