Obituary for George John Lehman

George John Lehman, of Bath, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on September 12, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born in Portland, Michigan, on February 4, 1938, the son of George and Iola Lehman. George attended St. Patrick High School and joined the U.S. Navy on November 30, 1955. He proudly served his country and returned home with many stories from his time in Hawaii, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on June 16, 1957.

On September 17, 1960, George married his beloved wife, Georgia Whitacre at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland. Together, they raised their family in Bath and were faithful members of St. Isidore Catholic Church and he was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

George worked for many years as a meat cutter and manager at Schmidt’s Grocery Store. He continued his career with L&L Food Centers when the store was sold and he retired in 2007. George loved tractors and could often be found riding his John Deere around the yard.

Above all, George loved his family and especially adored his grandchildren and daughters-in-law. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events and plays and was always proud of them. He treasured family holiday gatherings, pool parties, and annual summer vacations at the cottage in Curtis on South Manistique Lake, where he enjoyed fishing, boating, and making sure everyone was well fed.

George also loved spending time in the Upper Peninsula, with Clyde’s Drive-In and Brimley among his favorite stops. Another tradition he looked forward to each year was the family trip to Daytona Beach Shores, which began more than 50 years ago with his brother, Tom and Linda’s family. Over the years, the group grew to include children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends, creating countless memories and plenty of laughs along the way.

George never met a stranger. His warm personality and sense of humor made those around him feel welcome and at ease. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

George is preceded in death by his parents, George and Iola Lehman; sisters, Beverly Mellstead and Mary Ellen (Vern) Schrauben; father-in law, Vernon Whitacre; mother-in-law, Alvina (Carl) Cole; sister-in-law, Ruby Davids; and brother-in-law, Donald Whitacre. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of almost 66 years, Georgia Lehman; sons, Jeffrey S. (Dawn) Lehman and George V. (Kim) Lehman; five grandchildren, Brittany (Charlie), Brett, Peyton, Brody, and Reegan; siblings, Thomas (Linda) Lehman, Barbara (Ron) Foote, and Larry (Noura) Lehman; brother-in law, Bob (Arbutus) Whitacre; and sister-in-law, Joan (Wayne) Foote.

Those wishing may pay their respects on Monday, September 21, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. at the St. Isidore Parish Hall, Laingsburg. A rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. at the parish hall.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Anthony Brooks at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at St. Isidore Catholic Church, Laingsburg. Rite of Committal will be at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Isidore Parish Hall. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.