Robert H. Lehner, Sr., MD

Robert H. Lehner, Sr., MD, passed away on October 16, 2011, at the age of 96. The son the late Philip and Anna Lehner, he was born on April 22, 1915, in Princeton, Wisconsin.

Robert was married to the former Mildred Elizabeth Blank on July 2, 1937. She preceded him in death on September 21, 1998.

Robert received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1936 and his MD from Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1940. He undertook an internship at Mercy Hospital in Chicago in 1941 and his residency at Cook County Hospital in 1943. In 1952 he completed a fellowship in ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Robert practiced medicine as an ophthalmologist at the Eye Clinic of Racine, Ltd. which he founded. He was in medical practice in Racine for 50 years from 1944 to 1994. Robert was a renowned eye surgeon who performed the first corneal transplant in the state of Wisconsin in 1954. In 1994, the Milwaukee Ophthalmological Society honored him with their Distinguished Service Award for his many contributions to the field. Robert was an active member of the medical staffs of St Mary’s and St. Luke’s hospitals. He will always be remembered as a kind and devoted doctor by the patients he served.

Robert had many interests and he especially loved reading, gardening and boating. He will be remembered by his family as a wonderful father and grandfather. He is survived by four sons, Philip Lehner of Greendale, Wisconsin; Robert H. Lehner, Jr. of Racine, Wisconsin; John A. Lehner of Houston, Texas, and David L. Lehner of Huntsville, Alabama. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Becky Lehner (Mrs. Robert H. Lehner, Jr.); three granddaughters, Anna, Kristy and Jenny Lehner; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and other dear friends.

For the last five years Robert resided in an assisted living facility and the family wishes to thank the staff at Harmony Commons for the excellent care he received. The family also wishes to thank Darcey Greco for her friendship and compassion in caring for Robert over the last thirteen years.

Private services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Mary E. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Fund would be very much appreciated. Checks for contributions should be payable to Volunteers in Partnership and sent to: VIP with Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, 3805-B Spring St., Racine, WI 53405. Please note the Mary E. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship on the check. The scholarship is for Racine County high school graduates who are entering a health-related field.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine(262) 634-7888