William "Bill" A. Lehr

William “Bill” A. Lehr, 91 of Streator and Grand Ridge passed away Sunday (March 2, 2025) at his home.

Following cremation, a visitation will be held Friday (March 7th) from 11a.m. until 2p.m. at the Grand Ridge Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2p.m. at the funeral home with burial following in the Grand Ridge Cemetery

Bill was born on December 30, 1933, in Grand Rapids Twp. To Keith and Marie (Black) Lehr. He married his high school sweetheart Virginia “Ginger” Wade on January 9, 1954. They had 44 wonderful years together before her passing on August 27, 1998.

Surviving are his longtime beloved Kim Mackiewicz of Streator, daughters Pam (Todd) Aldridge of Creston, IL, Bonnie (John) Kinzer of Utica and Lorna (Geno Pisaneschi) Lehr of Putnam, sons Rick (Karla) Lehr of Grand Ridge and Brian Lehr of Grand Ridge, daughter in law Laurie Lehr of Grand Ridge, 14 grandchildren, Lisa Highland, Valerie (Pete) Hansen, April (Steve) Haring, Nathan Hettel, Brandon Hettel, Tim (Rachel) Kinzer, Stacey (Caleb) Gould, Lindsey (Austin) Rappeport, Emily (Kraig)Mathes, Dane (Alyssa Mills) Lehr, Paige Lehr, Bryer (Hannah) Lehr, Baley (Heather) Lehr, granddaughter in law, Alicia Lehr, 24 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren, , his beloved cats Milo and Charley, honorary cousin Darla Schmitt and honorary nephew Nick Mann.

He is preceded by his parents, wife Ginger, son Steve, grandson, Keith Lehr, sister and brother-in-law Marge and Jack Bergman.

Bill attended a 1 room schoolhouse in rural Grand Ridge, then graduated 8th grade Grand Ridge Grade School and graduated from Ottawa High School 1952. He was a farmer in the Grand Ridge area, was formerly employed at Dupont and was a school bus driver. Bill was a proud Presbyterian and was a member of the former Grand Ridge Presbyterian Church, also a member of the LaSalle County Farm Bureau and the Grand Ridge Cemetery Board.

Bill enjoyed going to the boat, playing cards, fishing, bowling, looking for John Deere tractors and talking with family and friends and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Memorials may be made in his name to either the Grand Ridge Fire Department or Pet Project.