Clarence "Dutch" Lehr

CLERGY
Rev. C. Brian Bucklew
MUSIC
Organist ~ Andra Semmler
“Just as I Am”
Solo by Vern Kraft “Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling”
“Lord Take My Hand and Lead Me”
“Be Still My Soul"
CASKETBEARERS
Tom Goehring
Terry Goehring
John Jerke
Albert Schmidt, Jr.
Glen Dewald
Brent Woods
Clarence Calvin “Dutch” Lehr was born on Friday, November 9, 1923 in rural Tripp, South Dakota to Edward G. and Anna (Dewald) Lehr. He was baptized on December 9, 1923 by Rev. G.F.W. Gerike at Zion Lutheran Church three miles southwest of Tripp. His sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Emil Lindemann. He was confirmed on June 26, 1938 by Rev. John Dewald at Emmaus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tripp. Dutch graduated from Tripp High School in 1942 and attended South Dakota State University in Brookings. He served in the US Army, and was honorably discharged in November of 1945. Following his military service, he worked in a packing plant in Sioux City with some of his buddies before returning to the area and farming with his dad.
On October 5, 1947, Clarence was united in marriage to LuElla M. Gramkow, daughter of Paul and Clara (Knittel) Gramkow. The service was officiated by the Rev. Otto A. Pinnt at the Zion Lutheran Church in Avon. To this union, three children were born: Konstance Kay, Kim Klaire, and Kelly Clarence. After their marriage, Clarence and LuElla began farming on their own homestead a half mile east of his family’s farm, in the same section, for exactly 58 years. They retired and purchased the former John and Edna Albrecht home. They moved into Tripp on October 5, 2005, which was their 58th wedding anniversary. Two years later, they were privileged to ride on a float in the Tripp Homecoming Parade for their 60th anniversary, which happened to be on October 5, 2007. Although the temperature on that day was 92°, it still did not equal the temperature of 103° on their actual wedding day!
Clarence was an active member of Emmaus Lutheran Church, of which he was a lifelong member, and he held various offices as long as he was able. He was also an officer in the Aid Association for Lutherans for 25 years. He was a life member of the American Legion Post #142 of Tripp, where he served as Post Commander, Adjutant, membership chairman, and he held many other chairmanships. Clarence was very supportive of LuElla and her advancements in the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed traveling with her as she fulfilled her commitments to the organization on all levels.
Together they visited many of our states and Washington, D.C. to conduct Auxiliary business. In July of 1994, the Lehrs were part of a “building blitz” at Eagle Butte, South Dakota, where they joined former President Jimmy Carter, his wife, Rosalyn, and 1,500 other volunteers that saw 30 homes built in one week to benefit needy Native American families.
Clarence enjoyed the simple things in life – farming with his life’s partner, being able to raise their children in the freedom and openness of the country, and later for the grandchildren to spend part of their summers. Farming never left his blood. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, playing cards, visiting, and having coffee with the boys in later years and sour cream raising pie!!
Clarence passed away on Friday, June 14, 2013 at his residence in Tripp at the age of 89 years, 7 months and 5 days.
Clarence is survived by his wife of over 65 years, LuElla of Tripp; daughter Konnie (Arlo) Zeitner of Omaha, Nebraska, daughter Kim Laber and fiancé Kevin Carlin of Sturgis, and son Kelly (Bridget) Lehr of Yankton; five grandchildren: Eric Zeitner, Adrienne Lehr Gilberts, Britt Lehr, Nicholas Laber, and Kristine Laber; four great-grandchildren: Tate, Joedy, Greyson and Charlie; a sister, Doris (Vern) Goehring of Delmont; two nieces: Cheryl Nelles and Jan (Bob) Dunker; three nephews: Terrie (Lexine) Goehring, Tom (Deb) Goehring and Les (Daphnee) Gramkow; plus a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Anna Lehr; a brother, Maynard in infancy; two brothers-in-law, Floyd and Elder Gramkow; and a sister-in-law, Irene Gramkow.