ERNEST LEHL

Ernest P. Lehl, age 87 of Neenah, passed away Tuesday, August 7, 2018. He was born January 11, 1931 to the late Henry and Katherine (Freuhauf) Lehl in Neenah. On October 20, 1952, he married Beverly Labeda. He had true love and devotion for Beverly, his “honeybunch.” Faith, family and friends were extremely important to him.

He worked at Neenah Foundry Company for over 35 years. After his retirement in 1987 he started a successful lawn care and snow blowing business called Ernie's Mow and Blow. He also enjoyed working the land on his farm in the Town of Oshkosh for many years. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Packers, Brewers, Badgers and Bucks – in that order. He was a good bowler and enjoyed hitting the lanes twice a week.

Ernie was very proud of the fact that he was one of the co-founders of Suburban Athletics in the Town of Menasha. He enjoyed giving children the opportunity to participate in organized sports. He was a volunteer on the Town of Menasha Fire Dept., served on the Board of Supervisors for the Town of Menasha, was a lifelong and dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Neenah, and helped organize the Trinity Lutheran School Athletic Association.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Beverly; and his children: Debra J. (Brad) Nelson, Drummond, WI; Dan Lehl, Neenah; David P. (Dana) Lehl, Woodstock, IL; Rodney J. (Mary) Lehl, Hartford, WI; his grandchildren: Jennifer (Dan) DeBraal; Michael Witt; Adam Lehl; Elizabeth (Phil) Backes; Lindsey (Brian) Powers; Matthew (Deana) Lehl; Kathryn (Dane) Campbell; and Megan Lehl. He is further survived by 15 great-grandchildren; his sisters-in-law, Betty Hass and Bridget (Richard) Peters; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ernie was blessed throughout his life with many friends which are too numerous to mention.

Ernie was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Paula Marie; and siblings: Marie Ellis; Frieda Schieder; Henry Lehl, Jr.; Katherine Strutz; John Lehl; and Molly Klemm.

A Memorial Service for Ernie will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 407 Oak St., Neenah, Rev. DJ Engelbrecht officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Inurnment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Ernie's name.

Ernie's family would like to extend a warm thank you to his neighbors on Wild Rose Lane, the staff at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Home, The Gardens of Fountain Way Assisted Living, and Heartland Hospice for the care and compassion they showed him.