John James Lehmann – Obit

John Lehmann, 54, Fertile, MN passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ.

John James Lehmann was born to James and Lorraine (Hamre) Lehmann in Ada, MN on August 31, 1967.

He graduated from Fertile-Beltrami High School in 1985 and went on to UMC in Crookston, getting his aviation private pilot’s license.

John married his high school sweetheart and the one he often called his best friend in the whole wide world – Kristi Raaen, on June 20, 1987. Together they purchased a farm west of Fertile. He loved his farm, and his true passion was raising and caring for all his cattle. John was currently employed as manager of TDS Grain and Feed Elevator. John and Kristi also recently sold their local business, Northside Express, in Fertile. John was often found visiting with people at the till or cooking early morning breakfast for the area farmers before heading to the elevator.

John was known as a very hard working, kind, and helping man. He gave so generously of his time to others, putting their needs first. He was always ready to lend a hand.

John’s absolute best gifts in life, he said, were his five precious granddaughters. He was so proud to be their grandpa. They were his pride and joy and were his constant sidekicks, doing chores or checking on the cattle herds in the gator. He loved to take them hunting and just spend time with them. They always said, “Grandpa’s the boss!”

John is survived by his wife, Kristi of 34 years; son, Tanner (Codi) Lehmann; daughter, Kassidy (Cameron) Lee; five granddaughters, Evelyn, Natalie and Ellie Lehmann, and Sadie and Miley Lee, all of Fertile; Tyler Erickson and Dustin Kalinoski, both of Fertile, who were like sons to him; mother, Lorraine Lehmann; brothers, David (Kari) Lehmann and Mark (Darla) Lehmann; father and mother-in-law, Roger and Vanna Raaen, all of Fertile; brother and sister-in-law, Brett and Kimberly Urness, of Grand Forks, ND; five nieces; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Lehmann.

Memorial Service: 3:00 PM, Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Hope Evangelical Free Church, Fertile, MN. Due to COVID 19 concerns, masks are recommended.

Visitation: One hour before the memorial service at the church.

Inurnment: Hope Evangelical Free Cemetery, Fertile. MN.

Please view our guestbook and share condolences online for the family.