Ralph L. Lehman (1921-2007)
LEHMAN, JOHNSON, BOLLER, PAAPE, FARREN, KAPLAN, MORGAN, NELSON, FLEMING, WIELAGE, EMANUEL
Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 10/13/2007 at 12:14:49
THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Saturday, October 13, 2007.
Ralph L. Lehman was born Feb. 18, 1921, in Rhodes, to Charles and Grace (Johnson) Lehman. He attended and graduated from Colo High School in 1939. While in high school, he participated in vocal music, basketball and football and played the trumpet in band. One of his proudest accomplishments was being named to the All Opponent Football Team of Ames High School in 1937 and 1938. In 1939 and 1940, he attended Graceland College in Lamoni, where he played and captained both the basketball and the football teams. In 1940, he left college to farm with his grandfather, Clarence Johnson, who had become ill. Ralph married the former Betty Theone Boller of Nevada May 29, 1943, in Brookings, S.D.
He served in the South Pacific during World War II and participated in the occupation of Japan. He was a staff sergeant when discharged Aug. 29, 1946. He then returned home to devote his life to his family and his love for farming.
During his life, he was involved in many organizations, including member of the Colo Methodist Church, Masonic Lodge, American Legion, Order of Eastern Star, Story County Beef Producers for six years including president, FHA Association board member, Collins Township Trustee, Story County Extension Board and board member of the Indian Creek Country Club. He farmed and lived in Collins until semi-retirement in 1980, when he and Betty moved to Nevada.
He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a man with a smile, who loved to tease, eat pecan pie and celebrate all occasions with family and friends. His wit and happy approach to life was appreciated by most and respected by his family. When his family was young they enjoyed annual summer vacations. His long hospital stays endeared him to many who cared for him, care for which he appreciated so much.
His greatest pride came to him from Betty, the love of his life, and the many accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Anyone who knew he knew about the last ball game, concert or job promotion of his family. They were the love and pride of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Betty, of Nevada; daughter, Janie (Jim) Paape, of Mason City; son, Jim (Diane) Lehman, of Peru, Ind.; daughter, Julie (Mark) Farren, of Colo; grandchildren, Mara (Tim) Kaplan, of Cottage Grove, Minn., Tyson Paape, of Cedar Rapids, Nick Paape, of Omaha, Neb., Stephanie (Matthew) Morgan, of Boise, Idaho, Ian (Shannon) Lehman, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ashley Lehman, of Peru, Ind., Kira (Rob) Nelson, of Roland, and Kylee (Brad) Fleming, Taylor Farren, Madison Farren and McKenna Farren, all of Colo; great-grandchildren, Wesley, Maislin, Peyton, Jack and Max; brother, Earl (Diana) Lehman, of Kansas City, Mo., and sisters, Evelyn Wielage, of Lincoln, Neb., and Joann (Richard) Emanuel, of Parker, Colorado, and their families.
He was preceded in his death by his parents and brother, Eugene.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Bacon Funeral Chapel, 1418 Fawcett Parkway, in Nevada.
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