William Lechner
October 28, 1930 ~ May 27, 2016
William Thomas Lechner, born October 28, 1930 to Bertus H. and Ida G. (Thompson) Lechner in Fargo, passed away Friday, May 27, 2016.
Bill graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1948 and attended North Dakota Agricultural College. He married Geraldine Y. Trom from Kindred, ND in 1952 and they made their home Fargo.
He worked in the insurance industry for many years before retiring. He was a lifelong active member of Olivet Lutheran Church.
He was a Mason and member of El Zagal Shrine, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Eagles, and the Sons of Norway.
He was married for 64 years to Geraldine (Jerry) Trom Lechner, the love of his life. Their constant devotion was a model of love for the entire family.
Bill had artistic interests and talent, drawing and painting in his younger years, and designing the family home. He was a gentle spirit who was always reaching out and caring for other people, setting an example his grandchildren could emulate. He was a lifelong member of Olivet Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years. He was known for his silly jokes, which were often repeated but still brought laughter. He loved cars, and had a series of different models that came and went over the years, but were never forgotten.
He is survived by his wife Geraldine, children Mary Carol Lechner Clarke (David), W. John Lechner, Thomas Lechner (Chala), and Susan Gray (Tom), grandchildren Jennifer Presthus, Claire Presthus, Anna Presthus, William Lechner, Allyson VanderWal (Kyle), Stephen Lechner, David Lechner, Audrey Graber (David), Andrew Gray, Matthew Gray, and brother Robert Lechner (Marion).
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bert and Victor Lechner.
A family service will be held Wednesday, June 1, 7:00 pm at Boulger Funeral Home, with visitation from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 2, 1:00 pm at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center. Online guestbook at: www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Lechner’s, you all are in my thoughts and prayers in the death of you Dad. May he have eternal peace and joy with our loving God.
Dear Mrs. Lechner and Family.
It was always a pleasure to be in Bill’s company, but, especially when one or more of his grandchildren was within his reach. Laughter and playful banter was his joy and theirs. His loss is great, for all of you.
Mrs. Lechner I can not imagine your pain with Bill’s passing into God’s hands. Hopefully, in time you will again think of him with joy and happiness remembering the wonderful life and love you shared, not with sadness and grief you are enduring at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Larry Drumm
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. A person builds many memories during their lifetime that becomes their legacy when they pass. Bill left a great legacy of stories, memories, and family.
Our deepest sympathy. Bill was a good man, loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.