Norbert Allan Lehmann

Norbert Allan Lehmann, age 81 of Eau Claire died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Eau Claire Mayo Hospital surrounded by his family.  He was born on March 1, 1943 to Norbert Irvin and Priscilla Marjorie (Radloff) Lehmann.  He grew up and attended school in Hustisford, graduating from the Hustisford High School in 1961.  He attended the University of Wisconsin Platteville, studying Civil Engineering, and graduated in January of 1966.  While attending UW-Platteville he met his future love and wife Jill Saether.  They met while she was leading new student tours of the university.  They were married on June 6, 1964 in the Blanchardville Lutheran Church.  After they were married they lived in Platteville at first.  They moved to Eau Claire where they moved into their new home on January 14, 1966.  This is the same home that he still lived in upon his death.  Through the years Norbert renovated and added on to the home many times.  He worked for the State of Wisconsin as a civil project engineer for his entire career.  He became the design squad leader of district 6 for the State DOT.  He worked on many varying road projects, including the north crossing of highway 312 in Eau Claire, worked on the Neillsville Airport, and the Eau Claire Transit System, including handicap transportation for the community.  He also worked on a design project for railroad track removal and bike trail construction. For his family he "engineered" an ice-skating rink each year in their back yard.  Norb and Jill also "engineered" a wonderful family of six children as PASSIONATE Lutherans!

Norbert was an active leader and organizer of the Eau Claire Male Chorus which he joined in 1972 and was still active with.  Tuesday nights were always Chorus nights.  Other than family it was the biggest passion in his life.  He loved the great friends and music from the chorus.  He was formally recognized in 2023 for his many years of involvement.  The weekend before his death, he sang in two concerts with the chorus.  Norbert was also a big fan of Pontiac GTO's.  He bought a brand new one in 1968.  He learned auto mechanics out of necessity as a youth, and continued on being part of the auto culture and hobby.  He raised his children doing the same, teaching them basic auto mechanics and experimenting with designing and creating their own automotive modifications and creations.  Norbert also became interested in 4-wheel drive vehicles, loving the time he spent with family on 4-wheel drive trail rides.  In later years he loved getting together with his car buddies for lunch on Wednesdays.  Norbert and Jill were always active in the Lutheran Church, most of the time at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire.  Attending worship with family was always a priority for Norbert and the family.  Norbert was always very generous with his time and equipment, including driving anyone anywhere, and hauling anything to help friends.  He always had the tools to help others.  He served as a Boy Scout Leader and 4-H leader.  Friday night fish fries were an important time for the family.  He also loved playing Cribbage with friends at Ray's, Euchre, Sheep's Head, Rummy Royal on New Year's Eve, Sudoku puzzles, and watching Hallmark movies.  He was a big Packer's fan, including owning Packers stock.

Norbert's greatest treasure was his family, including his wife Jill; six children, Gretchen (Scott) Cunningham of Chetek, Heath (Jennifer) Lehmann of Bella Vista, AR, Bret Lehmann of Eau Claire, Michelle (Joe) Marquardt of Eau Claire, Christina (Jeff) Watkins of Eau Claire, and Kent (Theresa Zirbel) Lehmann of Eau Claire; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents: a brother Keith Lehmann; and two sisters, Joyce (Tom) Bartelt and Faye (Bob) Schmidt.

A visitation for Norbert will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 12:00 until 2:00 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 1314 E Lexington Blvd in Eau Claire.  A funeral service will be held on Friday at 2:30 PM at the church.  Burial will be on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville, Wisconsin.  Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family.  Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com or on the Saether Funeral Service Facebook page.