Lehr, Thomas (1961 - 2022)

LEHR, SCHWASINGER, JOHNSON, BROCK, MALEC

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 5/28/2022 at 19:13:24

Name of deceased: Thomas Lehr

Aged: 60 yrs, 5 mo, 28 days

Residence: Harlan, IA

Born: Nov. 7, 1961; San Diego, San Diego County, CA

Died: May 5, 2022; Unity Point Health – Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Polk County, IA

Funeral services: Monday, May 16, 2022; Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Harlan, IA, with military rites conducted by the U. S. Marine Corps

Survived by: Wife of 35 years, Janet Lehr of Harlan, IA; daughters, Rachel Lehr of Tacoma, WA, and Breann (spouse, Bridger) Schwasinger of Garland, TX; grandson, Elliott Schwasinger of Garland, TX; siblings, Frank (spouse, Carol) Lehr of El Cajon, CA, Mary Lehr of San Diego, CA, Patty (spouse, Dennis) Johnson of Jolley, IA, Kathy (spouse, Gerry) Brock of Blue Mounds, WI, Rosie (spouse, Del) Malec of St. Clair, MI, and Joe (spouse, Leticia) Lehr of Ramona, CA; 15 nieces and nephews; 29 grandnieces and grandnephews; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Franklin and Rosemary Lehr

Education: Graduated from St. Augustine High School, San Diego, CA, Class of 1979

Religious affiliation: no information provided

Military service: Upon his graduation from high school, he enlisted I the U. S. Marine Corps, serving his country for 22 years; he retired in 2001 as a Gunnery Sergeant. During his years of service, he was stationed throughout the U. S. and SE Asia. During his career as a Marine, Tom led students through Officer Basic Training School, Infantry Training School, and Corporals Course. He played Marine Corps intramural football until his retirement and was known as the old man of the league. He held legendary barbeques for several hundred at a time, regularly practiced hospitality by welcoming Marines stationed far from family into his home for holidays, and was known for enthusiastically caring for his Marines and their families.

Marriage: Janet (maiden name not provided); 1987; St. Rita’s Catholic Church, San Diego, CA.

Employment: After retiring from the Marine Corps, he joined Schneider National as a cross-country truck driver for the next 21 years and the family moved from Camp Pendleton, CA to Harlan, IA. During his driving career, Tom filled many roles which included training engineer for new drivers, assisted with annual in-house training, and facilitated deliveries for numerous national accounts as a valued partner of the Des Moines Operating Center. In 2020, he was chosen to drive the Freightliner Ride of Pride truck. Through the Ride of Pride program and in partnership with Wreaths Across America, he and Janet had the privilege of delivering wreaths from Maine to Arlington, VA and Sarasota National Cemetery, FL, to adorn the graves of those who served our country and to remember and honor their lives. In the Spring of 2022, Tom surpassed his goal of driving 2 million safe miles and was inducted into the “Haul of Fame” for 20 consecutive years of safe driving.

Hobbies/Interests: Loved gardening, reading historical markers, and telling stories; he volunteered annually at the All State Music auditions; was a supporter at his girls’ soccer games; mostly he loved his family and spending time with them

Sources: kjan.com; burmeisterjohannsen.com