Watch Roger's Memorial Service

Roger Lehne, age 93, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Mahnomen, MN, died on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Fargo, ND, due to complications of COVID-19.

Roger, the son of Carl J. and Annie (Volden) Lehne, was born on March 26, 1927.  Growing up, his family lived in Audubon, where he attended school until enlisting in the United States Navy at the age of 17.  As it was during the end of World War II, Roger was never deployed but faithfully and delicately served as a medic until he was honorably discharged from his naval duties. Roger went on to further his education at what is now Minnesota State University Moorhead and earned his master's degree at the University of North Dakota. He began his teaching career in Waubun, MN, in 1951, before taking a teaching position in Mahnomen. He later became the vice principal at Mahnomen High School.  It was at the Mahnomen Public School where he met the love of his life, Teresa London, who was an elementary school teacher. The couple was united in marriage on May 31, 1958. Roger and Teresa made their home in Mahnomen until recent years when they moved to Riverview Place in Fargo.

Roger was very firm, but also had a sense of humor and could be a real jokester.  As a solid leader, he was everyone's friend and very well respected. Over the years, Roger remained active with both work and hobbies. He liked golfing, fishing, and visiting good friends at the Red Apple Café.  Roger especially enjoyed the hours spent with his good friend, Mark Goldsmith, while flying together or simply visiting with him at the Mahnomen Lumber Yard.  He was an active member of the American Legion Post #31 and the First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen.  Roger and Teresa wintered for several years in Casa Grande, AZ, and loved to entertain family and friends who would come for a visit.  He touched so many lives and leaves a legacy of love.

Roger is survived by his wife of 61 years, Teresa of Mahnomen; his nephew, Bruce Restad of Seattle, WA; his niece, Cindy (Mike) Restad Byron of Grand Forks, ND; great nephew and niece, Adam Byron and McKenzie Vida; and one great great niece, Olivia Vida.  He is also survived by Teresa's family; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jim (Sally) London, Joe (Joyce) London, Steve (Barb) London, Mary Ann Geldaker, Ellen (Lloyd) Eastlund, Margaret (Dieter) VonHafen, Cathy (Rueben) Hillstad, Susan Rudquist, and Dotty (Allan) Neisen; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Margaret (Wally) Bergeson and Barb (Clayton) Restad.

An Outdoor Graveside Memorial Service will be held Sunday, September 27, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church Cemetery, Mahnomen, MN.  The Memorial Service will be outdoors, all are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a chair.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.