Gilbert Lehman, Jr., age 98, a resident of Wheaton, passed away, with family by his side on Thursday, January 16, 2025.  He lived an amazing and impactful life.

He was born August 14, 1926 in Clinton, Iowa to Gilbert Sr., a music teacher & Ester Lehman.   He grew up with a stong sense of responsibility and an equally strong avoidance of dish washing.  Summers were spent working hard on a family farm in Berne, Indiana, where his efforts were rewarded with room, board and an occasional swim in the reservoir.

Known as "Junior", Gil graduated from Dixon High School in 1944 and joined the Air Force in 1945, with plans to be a fighter pilot.  VJ Day, and his color-blindness changed those plans.  He began as a clerk, and became a cryptographer.   Gil attended Coe College, where he served in the ROTC and marched in Harry Truman's inaugural parade.  At Coe, Gil met the love of his life, Lola Dodder and they married in 1950.  Gil graduated from Coe in 1951, summa cum laude.

Gil returned to service as a 1st Lieutenant, and served as an Administrative Officer in Reno Nevada.  His work in the Air Force developed his unique blend of high standards and grace, seeing potential in all people, even at their worst.  He attained the rank of Captain prior to returning to civilian life.

The birth of Jeanne, in 1953, and Kathryn, in 1956, led Gil and Lola back to Dysart Iowa, where he became a music teacher.  Gil then followed his closest friend, Martin Crabtree, to Wheaton Illinois where the teachers' union provided greater opportunity for his new family.

Joel was born in 1964.   Gil taught at Franklin Jr. High and Wheaton North High School.  He played in bands, taught music and was principal at Franklin where he was one of the few to fly the flag at half staff when Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was killed.  He also introduced a penpal program, where kids from suburban Wheaton connected with their peers at DuSable, in Chicago.

Gil and Lola were active members of Gary United Methodist Church.   Dad's faith was both thoughtful and curious, leading him to study the world through its history, people, events and traditions.  Each book, and every interaction, helped him shape his world view - even when his assessment was "I really don't  believe that".

Gil's true vocation was music education.  He created Wheaton North's music program and was its band director for 23 years.  Gil had the remarkable ability to see (and stop) any mischievous kid in a 100 piece band with "The Look", while continuing to conduct and cue in the next passage.  During much of that time, he also directed the choir at the First Presbyterian Church.

Through a surprising chain of events, Gil was elected President of the Wheaton Teacher's Union, a role he didn't want, but performed successfully.  Gil Lehman could go toe to toe with anyone.  While he was fine hearing differing opinions, he was also a fierce advocate for coworkers, principles and ideals and a strong supporter of those in need of a break.

Gil retired in 1986 and began a wonderful chapter of travel, service and enjoyment of the beauty in the world and its cultures.  Gil and Lola's place in Hazelhurst Wisconsin became a destination for friends looking for a "working vacation" as they finished the home piece by piece, and built a road, block by block up that very steep hill.  Winters in Gulf Shores Alabama introduced them to new places, new music and new friends as well.

Gil's later years expanded his ability to connect, make friends, learn and serve.  From Meals on Wheels to Kiwanis, Gil was ready with countless charitable acts, some as simple as just being present for a neighbor who needed someone to listen.

Gil's was a life well-lived.  He was a great man, made greater by his caring, serving and humble heart.

He is survived by his children Jeanne (Scott) Wolf, Kathryn (Ananth) Lehman-Srinivasan, Joel (Kristy) Lehman; his grandchildren Katie (Chris) Dent, Michael Wolf, Lindsay (Steve) Burdsall, Sonia (Jon) Srinivasan-Lau, Connor (Maia) Lehman, Vance Lehman and Sophia Leupi; his great-grandchildren Tyler, Chloe, Dylan and Amara and Brother-in-law Bob (Susanne) Dodder

He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Lola; and his siblings Lorraine Stonesifer, Joel Lehman and Luella (Nonie) Parker.

A visitation will be held at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on March 22, 2025 from 1:00 p.m.  The Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 p.m. and there will be a short reception thereafter. The Celebration of Life Service will be livestreamed through this link: Celebration of Life Service for Gil Lehman .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations should be made to: Gary United Methodist Church , 224 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187 or Gil Lehman Music Scholarship Fund at Wheaton North High School. (To make a contribution, select "donate" then select the "Gil Lehman Music Scholarship" from the pull down menu.)

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.