Obit: Lehnen, Nick C. (1886 – 1972)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Lehnen, Becker, Berringer, Schultze, Platta, Kestler

---------Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 12 Oct 1972

Lehnen, Nick C. (13 JUL 1886 – 5 OCT 1972)

Graveside services were held Monday forenoon at Riverside Cemetery for Nick C. Lehnen, former Owen (Clark Co., Wis.) resident and a prominent businessman here for 28 years. Rev. George Becker, pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Owen, was in charge of the service.

Mr. Lehnen succumbed to complication of old age on October 5, 1972 at a hospital in Wauwatosa, where he had been a patient for the past several weeks. Funeral services were conducted from Pious the 10th Parish in Wauwatosa, with Rev. Berringer officiating.

Mr. Lehnen was 86 years of age, being born July 13, 1886 in Auw, Germany. He came to this country shortly after World War I, and on June 15, 1916 married the former Barbara K. Kestler, in a ceremony performed at Glidden. He was a graduate dairyman from Germany and operated creameries in Glidden, Hawkins and Ashland. From 1927 to 1955 he operated restaurants and hotels in Medford, Stanley and Owen. The family moved here from Stanley in 1937, when he purchased the Woodland Hotel. In 1955 he sold it to his son, Edward, and then managed it for him until 1965, when they retired and moved to Wauwatosa.

He was a man of many hobbies, including a valued collection of coins and stamps. He was known nationally as a collector of fine guns, and for his talent as a marksman in revolver shooting. In national competition he earned 67 medals, which include 13 gold national championship medals.

Besides a host of friends he has in the Owen community, his passing is mourned by his wife; a sister, Marie Schultze, living in Germany; two sons, Edward, Owen, and Herbert, North St. Paul, Minnesota; one daughter, Mrs. Al (Lillian) Plata, Wauwatosa; six granddaughters and one grandson.