Jeanne Lehman

Jeanne Marion Lehman, age 81 of Prairie Farm passed away at her home on January 13, 2025.

She was born April 29, 1943 to Melbourne and Helen (Maland) Hepburn. Jeanne's dear

mother, Helen, passed away when she was two years old. Jeanne was raised by her wonderful

grandparents, Einar and Christina Maland on the Maland Farm south of Prairie Farm, along with

her Uncle Eugene. Jeanne loved sharing stories of her youth on the farm, and she marveled at

how her Grandparents gave her such a beautiful childhood, along with the love and support of

her dear cousins, aunts, and uncles, who all referred to her as Sister.

Jeanne graduated from Prairie Farm High School in 1961 and soon after met the love of her life,

Larry Lehman. Larry and Jeanne married on March 3, 1962 and immediately began their life

together in Tacoma, Washington, while Larry was serving in the United States Army stationed in

Alaska. Jeanne was a proud Army wife and gave Larry tremendous support during this time.

Jeanne was a hard worker and devoted wife and mother raising their four children on a dairy

farm northeast of Prairie Farm. Jeanne assisted Larry on the farm with milking, young-stock,

harvesting crops, managing the farm books, and more. You name it, she did it - often joking that

Larry thought of her as his equal. Jeanne was chosen as Barron County Farm Wife of the

Year in 1983, an honor she held dear to her heart. Jeanne also worked at the Pioneer Nursing

Home as a CNA for over 25 years and took so much pride in the care she provided the

residents, while also finding ways to make the residents laugh through her shenanigans with her

co-workers. She even orchestrated dancing for residents who were wheelchair bound. In 1997,

Jeanne earned the Award of Merit for Quality Service from the Wisconsin Association of Homes

for the Aging. Throughout the years, while raising her family, Jeanne was the founder and

general leader of the Country 76'ers 4-H Club and a devoted member of the United Lutheran

Church.

Jeanne's pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was

often sharing stories about them to whomever would listen, attending many of their events, and

spending special time with them making memories and laughing until everyone's cheeks hurt.

Grandma Jeanne was known for her delicious meals, always served hot, her homemade bread,

and her Norwegian baking. She also enjoyed her flower gardens, making quilts for the family,

embroidering her unique dish towels, along with traveling to Lake Superior, which she thought

was the most beautiful place on earth. Jeanne's love for her and Larry's immediate and

extended family was immeasurable. She welcomed anyone who came to their home with open

arms and she always had a smile on her face, amazing conversation, and good food to eat.

The kindness she spread, the wisdom she shared, and lessons she taught were her legacy.

Jeanne loved her family, friends, and community.

Jeanne is survived by her sons Daniel (Jackie) of Baldwin and Douglas (Lisa) of Spencer;

daughters Denise (Bryan) Ayers and Deanne (Todd) Larson, both of Prairie Farm;

grandchildren, Natasha (Jason) Young, Benjamin (Robyn) Lehman, Derrick Lehman, Jordan

(Olivia) Lehman, Melissa Lehman, Rachel Alsbury, and Kailey Alsbury; great-grandchildren,

Jonathan, Gabrien, Hazel, and Sterling; a sister Lona Reissmann and her brothers Bruce

Hepburn and Mike Maland. Jeanne was preceded in death by her dear husband Larry; an infant

daughter, Deborah; an infant grandson Jonathon and great-grandson Jeremiah; her brothers

Chuck Hepburn, Howard Hepburn, and Dennis Hepburn along with her Uncle Eugene Maland

who was like a brother to her.

A committal service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31st at the Northern Wisconsin

Veterans Memorial Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Prairie Farm Community

Center in Prairie Farm from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.