Joann Marie (Irrer) Lehman

Joann Marie Lehman, age 81, laced up her running shoes and sprinted off to heaven on October 28th, 2021. She was surrounded by family and friends in her Westphalia, MI home in the days preceding her death. Joann was born to Donald and Rita (Arens) Irrer on March 16, 1940 in Westphalia, Michigan. She loved growing up on the farm. She spoke fondly of making maple syrup in the sugar shack, driving the tractor, and playing with her cousins and siblings. She attended St. Mary’s School and had a special group of lifelong girlfriends, The Lucky Seven. Joann graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1958 and worked as an administrative assistant at Oldsmobile. She married her high school sweetheart John Robert Lehman on September 3, 1960 at St. Mary’s Church in Westphalia. John died on May 18, 2021 with Joann by his side. They were steadfast partners for over 61 years. Joann is survived by her three children, Bernard (Ann) Lehman, Beth (Theodore) Terzian, and Marykay (Matthew Karulf) Lehman. She found immense joy in her ten grandchildren and had toys and games at her house anticipating their visits. John (Victoria) Lehman, Matthew Lehman, Sarah Lehman, James Lehman, Katherine Lehman, Theodore Terzian, Alexandra Terzian, Theodore Karulf, Sebastian Karulf, and Julian Karulf will all miss her dearly. Joann loved and had such pride in each of her 10 siblings. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon (Bob) Dolan and is survived by Marilyn (Dennis) Fandel, Donald Irrer, Dale (Elaine) Irrer, David (Karen) Irrer, Larry (JoAnn) Irrer, Shirley (Russ) Manning, Janet Irrer, Cindy (Dennis) Miller, and Bill (Tina) Irrer. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews. She was an avid runner, gardener, tree planter, reader, knitter and baker. She and her dear friend Diane Bertram started the road race at the St. Mary’s Parish Festival. She worked to build and support the Ark. Joann touched many lives with her care, kindness and support. Joann requested in lieu of flowers that donations be directed to The Ark at St. Mary’s Parish. Her family has set up a Memorial Fund for donations in her honor at the Van Andel Institute to support Parkinson’s disease research. Joann’s family wishes to extend a sincere thanks to all of her special home caregivers and to the Sparrow Hospice team. We appreciate your care, kindness, support and love to Joann and all of us. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 1, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1-5 p.m., Sunday, October 31, 2021 at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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