Debra Jae Lehnert's Obituary
Surrounded by her husband and children, a shining light was extinguished May 7, 2026 when Deb Lehnert last closed her eyes. She was 71. Deb battled various ailments throughout her life but she was determined to live it on her terms and not have it dictated to her.
Born Debra Jae Carlson on November 12, 1954 in Lakeview, Michigan, she was the first of seven siblings of Bruce and Jedra (Noud) Carlson. She attended Lakeview Community Schools, graduating in 1972.
While working at an area business, she met Justin Lehnert. Justin was immediately taken by her and the loving couple was married on February 2, 1974. Being in Michigan, while there was snow and intense cold that day, their tremendous love for each other radiated all the warmth they could need.
Deb worked in the Chippewa Hills High School office for most of her adult life. Being in the educational system, she imparted the importance of learning to her two children, daughter Stephanie and son Josh. She also demonstrated unwavering support and encouragement, always ready with a listening ear or ready to travel to help with her children or grandchildren. Her love of her grandchildren (Ava, Lillian, Lauren, and Henry) had Deb criss-crossing the US, staging Camp Grandmas to her grandchildren’s delight. There may not have been a grandmother in history as proud of their grandkids as Deb.
The undisputed champion of the Clean Plate Award 50+ years running, Deb greatly enjoyed malts and root beer floats, music, including singing and playing the piano for her church, baseball (chiefly the Detroit Tigers or any team her grandson was on), and playing games, especially card games. While generally knowing the rules, she would still frequently be surprised upon her just happening to have the right card to play that would have her stumbling to win the game, with everyone laughing along the way.
She is survived by her husband Justin; daughter Stephanie (Lehnert) Woodhams; son Josh and daughter-in-law Liz; grandchildren, Ava and Lillian Woodhams, and Lauren and Henry Lehnert; six siblings, in-laws, and additional relatives (either through blood or by marriage) extending to seemingly half of the surrounding area’s population.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 13th, at 11am at St. Michael Catholic Church in Remus, Michigan. A visitation is scheduled at the same location the night before, from 4pm - 6pm Tuesday, May 12th, with a saying of the rosary concluding the event.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael Church or the Morton Township Library.
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