Kenneth Alexander George Lehner was born April 10, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, to Kenneth and Henrietta Lehner. Kenneth was the oldest of three children. Ken grew up in Chicago but really enjoyed time spent on the family farm in Indiana. He was raised in a Christian home attending Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he was both baptized and confirmed.
He attended Luther Institute High School where he met his wife of 64 years. He graduated from high school in 1952 and attended the University of Illinois. Ken loved the game of football, he starred in high school and also played a year for the Fighting Illini. He was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and enjoyed frequenting local watering holes, Kams in particular. He graduated in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Ken began his career utilizing his degree working in the steel and chemical industries.
One week after graduating from the University of Illinois, he married his high school sweetheart Janet Wold on June 23, 1956. One year later Brett Marie was born. After multiple requests from two employers, the young family succumbed and moved out west to California, followed by both sets of parents. Soon thereafter the young family grew with the births of Mark, Leslie and Reid.
While working in the industrial gas industry Ken was employed by Liquid Carbonic, Airco, Victor of California. Then in 1974 he approached Janet with a risky idea to mortgage everything and start their own business. Janet had faith in Ken and encouraged him to pursue dream. Lehner and Martin eventually opened the door in 1975 in Placentia, CA. With a passion and vision to leverage the helium market L&M soon became known as “The Helium Store.” Eventually expanding to four locations L&M employed over fifty associates. After successfully growing the business over the course of 32 years, the business was sold to Airgas in 2007. Ken then retired to enjoy his twilight years with his loving wife and companion Janet.
Ken championed and lived the phrase, “Work Hard Play Hard.” In the early years the family packed the station wagon each summer to embark on the annual two week vacation. Yellowstone, Bryce, Zion, Mesa Verde, Grand Canyon, Slippery Rock, and Lake Shasta were all adventures that the family experienced. After renting a 16 ft ski boat with a 40 HP Johnson motor the family went for their first waterski trip to Lake Powell in 1972. Soon thereafter, Ken bought the family’s first boat and the love for water sports, Lake Powell, and The River soon began.
But most of all Ken had a love for Jesus. His devotion and commitment to his Lord and Savior are entwined throughout his life. Ken and Janet dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel both internationally and close to home. Overseas ministry included Africa with Campus Crusade, Honduras with Mariners Church, in addition to Poland and Belarus with Every Generation Ministries. Ken also made an impact in Orange County joining SPARKS for a sidewalk ministry in Santa Ana and eventually tutoring children after school with Minnie Street Ministries.
Ken was preceded in death by his father Kenneth, his mother Henrietta, and his sister Gloria. Ken is survived by his wife Janet, brother Noel, sister-in-law Betty, his children, Brett, Mark, Leslie and Reid, along with their spouses Dusty, Judy, Craig and Donna. Grandchildren Stefani, Jennifer, Adam, Katrina and their spouses Billy, Luke, Claudia, and Cory. Along with grandchildren Allie, Jacob, Leah, Jillian, Connor, Savannah, Ainslee, Bryce and Peyton. Great Grandchildren Rylan, Drew, Logan, and Cody.
His family is comforted in the knowledge that Ken is in the presence of Christ Jesus for eternity.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5