Dr. William Fred Lehnhardt

Dr. William Fred Lehnhardt, 86, of Mt Zion, IL, passed away Wednesday afternoon on January 15, 2025, at his home in Mt. Zion, IL.

Services honoring Bill’s life will be held at Central Christian Church, 650 West William St, Decatur, IL, 62522 on Friday, January 24, 2025 with a visitation occurring from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. followed by a funeral service starting at 4 p.m.  Memorials may be made in Bill’s honor to the Macon County Conservation Foundation (https://apps.maconcountyconservationfoundation.org/donate-now). 

Bill was born June 7, 1938, in Chicago, IL, the son of William and Bernice (Schneider) Lehnhardt. He graduated from Cornell College, IA, and SUNY Buffalo earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Biochemistry. He married the love of his life, Lois M. (Hills) Lehnhardt, on August 4, 1962. Bill retired from Tate & Lyle as a Senior Research Biochemist and Director after 23 years of dedicated service, posting numerous patents in the process. As a servant leader throughout his life, he staunchly supported the Boy Scouts of America (Eagle Scout & District Leader), Macon County Conservation District (Vice President), and the Kiwanis Park Organization (Treasurer).  

He was a member of Central Christian Church and enjoyed woodworking, camping, outdoor activities, and sporting events with his grandchildren. Fishing served as a continuous passion throughout his life, tying together family and friends from his earliest days in Ludington, MI (his big bass with Sonny), to stalking trout on the Yellow Dog River, and numerous Canadian trips with his fishing buddies. He kept in constant contact with his Beta Omicron friends and enjoyed trips, travels, and hijinks as only fraternity brothers could. The playful sparkle in his eye, his quick wit, and his impish charm will be missed and fondly remembered by all he touched in his life.

Bill is survived by his wife, Lois, of Mt. Zion; sisters, Heidi Vahey of Las Vegas, NV, and Wendy Claus of Mass City, MI; children, Keith (Allison) Lehnhardt of Dunkirk, MD, Jennifer (Jim) Hinkle of Knoxville, TN, and Kim (Bill) Hurm of Mt Zion, IL; 7 beloved grandchildren; and 1 wonderful great-grandson.