Dale Lehmann

Dale Lehmann (84), a cherished husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Connor’s Lake near Winter, WI, on July 21, 2024. Born on May 8, 1940, in St. Paul, MN, he was the son of Howard and Phyllis Lehmann.

Dale graduated from Johnson High School, where he was active in hockey and served as Student Council President. He spent a year at the University of Minnesota before transferring to Mankato State University, where he earned a BS in Industrial Arts with a minor in Physical Education. It was in the Lutheran Church College Choir that he met his wife, Sandra Strom. Dale and Sandra celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary just one day before his passing.

 Dale started his teaching career in January 1963 at Wiley Smith Jr. High in Cleveland Heights, OH, before relocating to Fond du Lac, WI in fall of 1964. He initially taught at Sabish Jr. High and then moved to Theisen Jr. High when it opened in 1970. At Theisen, Dale played a key role in designing the four Industrial Arts shops, which included welding, electricity, drafting, and woodworking. He continued teaching there until his retirement in June 1995.

Throughout his career and into retirement, Dale loved spending his summers traveling with his family in a pickup camper. They explored a range of destinations, including Alaska, Newfoundland, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and various parks across Canada and Wisconsin. While camping, Dale delighted in spinning tall tales about Paul Bunyan and making s'mores around the campfire with his girls. Dale also dedicated his summers to tackling remodeling projects, roofing, and building garages and decks for added income.

A passionate outdoorsman, Dale found solace in the serenity of nature. His hobbies included motorcycle riding, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking, and canoeing. He made each of his daughters' 16th birthdays special with unforgettable three-week motorcycle camping trips across the country. Dale also cherished numerous motorcycle adventures with Sandra throughout Canada and around Lake Superior.

Shortly before his retirement, Dale and Sandy began constructing their dream home on Connors Lake in the Flambeau River State Forest. For the next five years, Dale took great pride in building most of the house himself, viewing it as one of his greatest achievements. It was truly everything he’d always wanted.

Dale treasured the moments spent with his family at the lake, whether it was fishing with his grandchildren, taking nature walks, feeding the deer handfuls of corn, enjoying family pontoon rides, or simply swimming in the lake, reading on the dock, or listening to the loons.

Dale was a devoted woods craftsman and kept busy during retirement years with projects such as building his own dock, constructing a woodshed, and splitting wood to heat his home. Dale also crafted many memorable gifts for his daughters, including rosewood cross necklaces and wooden nativity scenes. As a dedicated dog lover, he enjoyed the companionship of several cherished pets throughout his life: Jade, Mukluk, Sasha, Tglingit, Hannah, Bo, Jasper, and Rainey.

Dale’s memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family: his wife Sandra; three daughters, Robyn Lehmann-Doane Minneapolis, MN, Jeanine Palmieri (Dick) Honolulu, HI, and Andrea Palaian (Gregg) Atlanta, GA; and five grandchildren: Andrianne Abercrombie, Jake Palmieri, Jack Palaian, Kaitlin Palaian, and Ellie Palaian; two sisters: Sherri Conlin, Delonna Darsow; one sister-in-law: Marlene Meehan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law.

In accordance with Dale’s wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, his family will honor his memory at the peaceful places where he frequently sat and reflected on his life. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.