Albert F. “Al” Lehr, Jr., 89, of Millstadt, was called home to heaven on Jan. 18, 2025. He was born Nov. 14, 1935, in Mattese (South St. Louis County), Mo.

An age-old adage says that he who tills the land is close to God, and Al lived this adage as he was a vegetable farmer throughout his life who diligently and lovingly raised vegetable plants and vegetables as owner and operator of Lehr’s Vegetable Farm in Millstadt.

Al grew up in Millstadt working side-by-side, day in and day out, with his parents Albert, Sr. and Mathilda, raising vegetable plants and vegetables, which they sold at their home, various stores, St. Louis Farmers’ Market on North Broadway, Produce Row in St. Louis and Soulard Market in St. Louis.

Al served in the Army National Guard of Illinois and as a Reserve of the Army.  He graduated from St. James Catholic School in Millstadt and attended Belleville Township High School.

Al was well-known, respected and extremely active in the Millstadt community.  He served as a Millstadt Village Trustee from 2000 to 2021.  He was an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, working at various fundraisers and serving on various committees.

Al was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4741, Millstadt Commercial Club, Millstadt Commercial Club Board of Directors, Millstadt Senior Center Board of Directors for 15 years, Columbus Club Board of Directors, Millstadt Sister Cities, Millstadt Chamber of Commerce, St. Clair County Farm Bureau  and a charter member of Millstadt Cluster Busters.  For many years, Al worked on building floats for the annual Millstadt Homecoming Parade and thoroughly enjoyed pulling floats in the Millstadt Homecoming Parade.

Al worked as Superintendent of Public Works for the Village of Millstadt for 25 years, retiring in 1996.  He previously worked at H. W. Gossard Company in Millstadt for 24 years.  Al worked full-time at these employers, while also working “full-time” for his passion — as owner and operator of Lehr’s Vegetable Farm.

Surviving are his wife, Christy Klein-Lehr, daughters, Linda Lehr (John Luechtefeld) and Lori (Kevin) Hennes; step-children Victor Klein (Nancy Lombardo), Kathy (Mark) Blair and Dean (Mary Ann) Klein; grandchildren Zach (Grace) Hennes, Jake (Kirstin) Hennes and Lexi Hennes; step-grandchildren Travis (Vanessa) Schaller and Noah Klein; sister Alvera Schmalenberger; nieces; nephews; other relatives; and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert A. and Mathilda, nee Belloir, Lehr Sr.; his first wife and mother of his children, Dorene M. (nee Albert) Lehr, whom he married on Sept. 25, 1957, and who died June 30, 1996; and step-daughter, Annette Klein.

Visitation is 3-7 p.m. Jan. 24 at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt and 9-10 a.m. Jan. 25 at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt. 

Funeral Mass will be  celebrated following visitation at the church with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating. 

Interment will be at St. James Catholic Cemetery in Millstadt.  

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to St. James Catholic Church, Millstadt; Millstadt Senior Center; or in the form of Masses. 

Visitation is 3-7 p.m. Jan. 24 at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt and 9-10 a.m. Jan. 25 at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt. 

Funeral Mass will be  celebrated following visitation at the church with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating. 

Interment will be in the St. James Catholic Cemetery in Millstadt.  

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: St. James Catholic Church, Millstadt; Millstadt Senior Center; or in the form of Masses.