Frederick (Fritz) Charles Lehman, 86, passed away after a hard-fought battle of lung cancer on Oct 13, 2021 at his Pell Lake home surrounded by family and girlfriend Chris.
Fritz was preceded in death by beloved wife of 54 years, Beverly (Muff); his parents and parents-in-law; infant daughter Kathy; sons Frederick Jr. and William; sister Mary Ann (Tuffy); brothers-in-law Red, Jose, John, Roger and Nick; and sister-in-law Barb.
He is survived by his son Kenny Lehman of Cocoa, Fla., daughter, Cindy (Dale) Long of New Richmond, son Danny (Karin) Lehman of Adams, and daughter, Debby (Gary) Colerider of Rockledge, Fla., sister Dolores (Beep); sisters-in-law, Dolores (Tootie) and Margie; 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many, many great friends.
Fritz was a graduate of Agriculture School in Rochester. After serving in the Air Force, Fritz and Muff married. They made their home in Burlington where they raised their seven children. Fritz was employed by American Motors/Chrysler for over 33 years. He was a plumber, steam fitter and lifelong union member. He established a successful plumbing business that he ran for many years.
After retiring from Chrysler, Fritz and wife Muff, started the tavern fittingly named Fritz and Muff’s, as well as The Honey Tree gas station and mini mart in Bohners Lake. The tavern was a great place to meet and make friends, pitch horseshoes, or play some volleyball. The jukebox was always playing. A game of pool or a hand of cards was sure to be found.
Over the years the tavern hosted many pig roasts, horseshoe tournaments and the occasional party in the backroom. Fritz and Muff always gave back, being very involved in local charities. After retiring a second time, they spent the next 28 years wintering in Cocoa, Fla.
Fritz was always willing to lend a hand. If you needed help with any project big or small, he was there. His many talents including building two homes from the bottom up. He was known for his bountiful vegetable gardens. Fritz was a true farmer, many times never eating what he grew! He took great joy in sharing his vegetables with his friends and the community, even making deliveries and was known for his humongous white radishes and cabbage the size of a bushel basket. He also enjoyed picking hickory nuts and harvesting mushrooms, sometimes as much as a fivegallon bucket! He hunted over the years with his trophies including pheasants, turtles and deer. He even made it up to Alaska for a grizzly bear. He enjoyed fishing, whether it was catching crab, fishing fresh and ocean water. He especially enjoyed going Shrimping and spent many nights catching those shrimps.
Fritz really lived life, always keeping busy and enjoying it to the fullest. He loved taking a ride to grab a mountain dew at his many local watering holes and couldn’t resist stopping at a yard sale, always on the hunt for a bargain while barefoot.
Fritz was one of a kind and made this world a better place. He will be missed beyond measure. May he rest in peace.
A Celebration of Life for Fritz will be held on Nov. 6, 2021 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Triangle in Twin Lakes.
Private service for his burial at the Burlington Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, please donate to St Jude’s in his memory.
Miller-Reesman Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.miller-reesman.com.
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