Fred J. Lehmann

Fred J. Lehmann, 80, of Mason City, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the First United Congregational Church of Christ, 100 1st St NE. Ave. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N Pennsylvania Ave as well as one hour prior to the service time on Thursday. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials can be directed to the family of Fred Lehmann.

Fred was born on January 27th, 1945, to Kenneth and Dorothy Lehmann. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1963.

A dedicated public servant, Fred proudly served the City of Mason City as a firefighter beginning in 1970. Over the course of his career, he rose to the rank of Captain, retiring in 2000. A uniquely talented man with a knowledge of many topics, he could repair an electrical problem, build a house, or heal a broken heart. His woodworking skills exemplified his excellence as did his master-level knowledge of car restoration. He always knew the answers for whatever needed repair. He was our teacher, leader, rock, and hero. He was a steady presence in all our lives and would catch our tears when they would fall on his shoulders and he would cry with us. He was a man of peace and a friend to many. His lifelong service to the fire department reflected his deep sense of duty and love for his community. Fred’s generosity of spirit and willingness to love unconditionally left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Fred married Dort Vavrik in 1970 and together they had two children, Tami and Jill. After their divorce, Fred married Ruth Davis in 2005 who became the love of his life. He often said, “I wouldn’t know what I would do without her.”

Fred especially cherished his fishing trips to Canada and was so proud he was able to take his grandson, Carson, on one of his last adventures north.

A car enthusiast with a fun-loving side, Fred loved his GTO and was known for leaving a little rubber along with fond memories for those lucky enough to ride shotgun. Jill is particularly grateful for all those rides sharing life stories and memories. Their bond couldn’t ever be broken. Many conversations about life, love, and loss were traveled on the less traveled but paved back roads in Iowa that often ended with fried chicken at the Barrel Drive Inn. In his later years, Fred found immense joy in his blended and ever-growing family. He was deeply loved by his grandchildren and embraced Ruth’s children and grandchildren as his own. He had a gift for making everyone feel included, valued, and loved.

We will miss him terribly and believe he served the community of Mason City honorably. We are proud of who he was and most of all, teaching us how to love well and always showing up for one another.

Fred modeled empathy. His complete acceptance for anyone different, joy, knowledge, gratitude, and his sensitivity were his biggest strengths. He was a man who could cry or laugh with you in the worst or best of times.

Fred passed with dignity and grace, which is no surprise considering this is how he lived his life. His family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Mercy Medical Center for their care during this painful time.

Fred leaves behind his beloved wife, Ruth Lehman; his daughter, Jill Lehmann-Bauer (Michelle); and their children, Mack and Hart. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Sloane Hubler (Donnie), Kennidea Dahle (Branden), Carson Torrance, and the grandchildren he shared with Ruth — Bailey, Britney, Jonah, Sage, Noah, Cole, and Benjamin — the children of Stacy (Kevin), Kari (Bernie), and Kane, whom Fred cherished as his own.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his daughter, Tami Lehmann-Hubler. Fred would want the world to lead with love. He modeled acceptance, joy, empathy, and the quiet strength of service. We will miss him more than words can express. His legacy of love, integrity, and humility will live on in each of us— leaving with the hope we can all become a little more like him. Fred’s empathy embodied who he was, and he would desire a different road for a new day leading with compassion.

As a family, we hope his legacy reminds all of us who knew him that, perhaps, we all may still be capable of becoming who we all aspire to be as neighbors in our communities. May peace be possible towards one another everywhere.