Obit: Lechner, Kenneth F. (1941 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Lechner, Bulak, Gehring, Seiber, Rowe, Newsome, Franklin, Steiner

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) March 3, 2010

Lechner, Kenneth F. (18 August 1941 – 28 February 2010)

Kenneth F. Lechner, 68, of Black River Falls, died Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse from injuries he sustained in an automobile accident in Black River Falls.

Ken was born Aug. 18, 1941, in Merrillan to Frederick J. and Estelle D. (Bulak) Lechner.  He was raised in Merrillan, attended school in Wrightsville and graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1960.

He lived in Chicago, Schererville, IN, and retired back to Black River Falls.  Ken married Marjorie F. Gehring in Winona, MN, May 2, 1970.

He was employed as a city truck driver for Roadway in Chicago Heights for 35 years.  In recognition for driving for a million miles accident-free, he received the “Very Safe Driver Award.”  He was a member of Local Union #705, where he served as trainer and union steward.

Ken enjoyed tractors, hunting, cruising and his beloved grandchildren.

Surviving are his children Kenneth D. (Melissa) Lechner, and Connie M. (Hugh) Seiber, both of Black River Falls, Tammy (Roger) Rowe, Tomah, and Dawn (Ray) Newsome, Pikeville, KY; eight grandchildren, Bryce, Brianna, Hunter, Mason, Jason, Matthew, Brittany and McKenzie, two great-grandchildren, Payton and Emily; three brothers, Ronald Lechner, Grays Lake, IL, Robert (Ruth) Lechner, Kenosha, and Richard Lechner, Milwaukee; one sister, Lorraine (Phillip) Franklin, Libertyville, IL; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.  (His wife Marjorie died of injuries of the same accident that he died of injuries from.)

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Black River Falls.  Reverend John Steiner will officiate, and burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Black River Falls.

Relatives and friends may call at Torgerson’s Funeral Home (715-284-4321), Black River Falls Thursday from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.  The family prefers memorials be given to either the Jackson County Animal Shelter or to the American Diabetes Association.