John Andre Lehto

John “Andre” Lehto, age 87 died on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at St. Elizabeth Hospital of old age. He was born in Aura, a suburb of L’Anse, MI in the Upper Peninsula (Yooper Country); son of Eino and Edna (Mytty) Lehto. Growing up in the community he was known as “Andre”, as an adult in the various places he lived, he was know by “John”.  Both of Andre’s parents came from large families, so, Andre was rich with many aunts and uncles, and subsequently with many cousins. Andre graduated from L’Anse High School and Michigan Tech. His first job after Tech was with Boeing Airplane Co. in Seattle, WA. The Pacific Northwest was a great place to work and a fantastic place to live-with the mountains, rivers, lakes and ocean! Living in the PNW was a delight for this Yooper! John then made a career change and hired on with American Can. His first assignment with “Can” was in Wausau, WI. There he met Ina (the love of his life and future wife) at an industry conference where they were both attending as representatives of their respective employers. After marriage there were assignments with “Can” in several states with an ultimate assignment to Wisconsin and later retirement in Appleton, Wisconsin. Living in various states provided many great experiences. The greatest was adoption of two children, Andy in Illinois and Amy in Mississippi. Both children added to the joys of the parent’s lives.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ina, daughter Amy (Lance) Stocker, granddaughter, Teagan Stocker, bonus grandchildren; Sebastian Hanna-Garcia, Sebrina Hanna-Garcia, Ryan Stocker and Drew Stocker, sisters in law, Joan Gresens, Marilyn Barton, Kathy Sanford and Sharon (Mark) Kawczynski, nephews Brad Barton and Taylor Kawczynski and numerous cousins.

Preceding him in death were his parents, mother and father in law and his son, Andy.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 10:00am until 12 noon, with a time of sharing to follow at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St Appleton. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in John’s memory.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Grand Chute Fire department, Gold Cross Ambulance, Dr. Campbell and Dr. Freeman and the nurses on the ICU floor, especially Jeanelle and Jolene.

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