1942-2024
Janice Charlene Lehman, 82, gained her angel wings on Oct. 26, 2024. She was born at home, a farmstead near Coon Rapids, on Aug. 23, 1942, an only child to George and Mildred (Cameron) Christensen. Janice graduated from Guthrie Center High School in 1961. This was where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Lehman. Kenny drove the school bus as a junior and senior in high school for all the other school kids. This is where the two met and began their courtship. Kenny and Janice married shortly after her high school graduation on June 4, 1961, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Audubon. The couple had two children, Sherry and Paul, who then blessed them with four grandchildren: Shannon, Curtis, Katie and Kristopher. Janice is the great grandmother to nine great grandchildren. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy in life.
Following graduation from high school and marriage to Kenny, Janice took on the role of the farmer’s wife and filled the role well. There was nothing she couldn’t do. While taking care of their home and children, she could also be found driving the tractor, tending to the farm animals, and caring for a large garden. Janice was a loyal member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Guthrie Center. She could also be found helping out at Bowman Chapel at funerals, socializing at their quilt group (even though she didn’t quilt), and washing dishes at their harvest dinner.
Janice loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her the utmost joy. She loved when they visited her at the nursing home, and loved showing them off to everyone there. She loved playing cards and board games, especially with her grandkids. Janice loved every single holiday and decorating for each of them, accordingly, always remembering to send out holiday and birthday cards to everyone in the family. Together, Kenny and Janice went on many trips in their camper, often spending their winters in Texas. They also loved taking nightly cruises around the neighborhood checking for deer and attending activities and events to support their grandkids. Janice was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and was an extremely hard worker. She had many friends in their neighborhood and at the New Homestead in Guthrie Center. Her infectious laugh is one that will be fondly remembered. She will be greatly missed by many, and everyone who knew Janice has a story about her.
Janice is survived by her son, Paul (Brenda) Lehman; four grandchildren: Katie (Tom) Naert, Kris (Caelin) Lehman, Curtis (Katie) Gettler and Shannon (Jeff) Lee; and nine great-grandchildren: Bret, Emryn, Rowyn, Lee, Hank, Shyanne, Savannah, Carsen and Ember. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; and daughter, Sherry.
A visitation and meal will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Activity Center in Guthrie Center. Following the visitation will be a graveside burial service at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Guthrie Center.
Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.