Fred Arthur Lehnert

Fred Arthur Lehnert, of Lakeville, Minnesota, died at home on October 10, 2026, after a difficult battle with pulmonary fibrosis. His family was at his side.

Fred was born on October 31, 1943, and raised on the Lehnert family farm in Le Sueur, the fourth of eight children of Milton and Doris Lehnert. He often talked about the animals his family rescued and raised, from stray three-legged dogs to a raccoon and even a red-tailed hawk. Fred knew farming’s uncertainty wasn’t suited to him, so he attended vocational school to study auto mechanics. He later earned a four-year degree at Mankato, where he met Mary, and eventually went on to earn a master’s degree.

Fred and Mary’s story began with a ride across campus. Mary was looking to hitchhike, as students did then, and Fred picked her and a couple of other students up. They shared a class but barely knew each other. They tried dating, crossed paths several more times, and eventually began their life together in earnest the following year, when Fred came to Mary’s rescue at a bonfire and became her hero.

Fred and Mary married in 1967. Fred then served in Vietnam with the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, the “Big Red One,” as a Chaplain’s Assistant. His service later led to a service-connected disability related to Agent Orange exposure. In the late 1970s, Fred and Mary settled in Lakeville and made their home there. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2027. The VA supported him throughout his health journey. During the final stage of his illness, his entire care team took incredible care of him.

At his heart, Fred was a teacher and mentor. At Cedar Valley and Owobopte, Fred worked in rehabilitation services, focusing on manufacturing and supporting adults with disabilities. His working life also included Seniors Serving Business and his handyman business, Odd Jobs, where he put his vast collection of tools to work. Fred later worked at Goodrich, where he retired. Throughout his career, Fred mentored people interested in growing their careers, improving processes, and teaching others to do the same.

He taught the Sunday school classes his girls attended and supported their many activities with the same generous spirit, including arriving at 2 a.m. to keep a rocking-chair-a-thon going strong. He was a natural cheerleader, and his sharp whistle could be heard from far away. He taught people how to fish, scoop a litter box, face death with dignity, live with an open heart, laugh, and love. He led by example.

Fred’s warmth and genuine interest in other people were a gift: he could make anyone feel seen. The family’s house was often called the Corporate Office. A stop there could easily turn into a visit that lasted hours, because Fred wanted to know how people were doing. He was also known for his humor. At the beach, he once appeared in the ultimate “fashion Dad” outfit—pasty white legs and tall black socks—sure to draw an eyeroll and a reaction from his daughters.

Fred was endlessly curious about how things worked and a tinkerer at heart. He loved working with wood, crafting and repairing things, and finding solutions to household challenges. He helped refinish an antique bedroom set, painstakingly hung antique windows for Amelia, and built an elaborate model train setup. He also built a ukulele with his granddaughter London. When asked what project he was most proud of, his daughters would have been his answer.

Fred and Mary loved reading and listening to books, music, spending time together, and exploring new places with their camper in tow. Camping let Fred see new sights and the wonders of nature, enjoy the company of good friends, and watch his daughters explore and stretch their curiosity. Their trips took them to Lebanon Hills in Apple Valley, Chatfield in Colorado, Big Island in southern Minnesota, Breeze Campground in Park Rapids, and throughout the Black Hills of South Dakota. Fred’s pocketknife and “the” flashlight or lantern were camping essentials. Rain was nearly always part of the adventure, and one storm led to Fred trying to discreetly shower outdoors as the skies poured. The Joe and Josephine Camper Awards—given to the best male and female camper or campers—were the family’s incentive for good behavior. Fred often won; he was the best of them. When camping was no longer possible because of his declining health, Fred and Mary found a beautiful summer camping spot on their screened porch.

At home, Fred enjoyed reading, tinkering, playing guitar, listening to music, spending time on his computer or phone, and watching Jeopardy!. He loved building an outdoor fire, target practice, and walking his dog Bear. Fred and Bear were happy simply to be in each other’s company. Fred’s happy whistle was unmistakable; when he was whistling, his family knew he was at peace. He took many family photos himself and happily added pictures from others to his permanent slideshow, along with enough negatives to pave his way to heaven.

Fred’s Chuck Wagon beans were a summer and fall staple, and his Quiche Lorraine was reserved for Christmas. At Christmas, he also carried on the tradition of his father-in-law, Grandpa Herb, by wearing Herb’s familiar red shirt with elbow patches. Wednesday nights brought spaghetti and Jeopardy! with Grandma, Grandpa, and London.

A friend described Fred as “in a class way above most.” He was caring, generous, humble, and steady, with a quiet way of doing the best thing.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Mary (Neuendorf); his daughters Amelia (Andy Geckler), Kate (Dustie Thorbergson), and Megan; his grandchildren; his siblings Judy (Dave) Hall, Dale (Jeanann) Lehnert, and Bruce (Brenda) Lehnert; and many others who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Doris Lehnert, and siblings Patty Symonds, Loretta Straub, Barb Ramaker, and Ivan Lehnert.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 16, at White Funeral Home in Lakeville. The open house will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the service beginning at 1 p.m. Guests are welcome to wear whatever is most comfortable. A private burial will be held separately.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to pay it forward and choose a meaningful way to honor Fred.

If you have photos of Fred to share, please upload them here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ExpUSMidCnoJYkp7A