Rick Lehrling

Rick Lehrling was born in Caldwell, Kansas, on December 25, 1953, to Thomas and Colleen Wirtz Lehrling. The first decade of his life, Rick lived on a farm in Oklahoma and remained a life-long loyal Sooner. Rick had one brother, Gary Merrit and wife Eunice, and three sisters, Carolyn Sandell, Pam LaGasse and husband Jimmy Stansbury, and Lynette Alexander and husband Wade. In 1965, the family moved to Mankato, Kansas, where Rick resided ever since.

In 1972, Rick married Martina May. He had two sons, Chad and Trent Lehrling. Betty May remain's Rick's second mother to this day.

In 1989, Rick married Lora Princ Eckhardt and welcomed her sons, Michael and Craig, into his home and heart. His family grew as Chad married Christina and Mike married Suzanne. Rick's family continued to grow with the addition of Miki and her daughters. Rick and Lora were proud of their blended family despite the obvious Nebraska/Oklahoma rivalry that continues to this day.

Rick, a victim of cancer, departed this life on March 18, 2015, surrounded by his loving family.

Rick was blessed with many grandchildren: Bethany, Paige, Brianna, Leah, Sarah, Jacob, Sydney, Allison, Sean, Jaxon, Sarah, Izabella, Azryn, Elexzia, Landon, and Kobi. This group of children gave him total joy and love in the brief time he shared on Earth with each of them.

Rick was proceded in death by his parents, Tom and Colleen; his father-in-law, Harold May; his mother-in-law, Maxine Princ; and Carolyn's husband, Sonny Sandell. Besides those previously mentioned, left to mourn Rick are his father-in-law, Raymond (Pete) Princ; an honorary mother, Ann Hanson; beloved friend, Judi Bolte; his brother and sister in-laws from both marriages; cousins; nieces; nephews; and a community of friends.

He was a proud member of the Mankato High School class of 1972 and the Mankato community. He deeply appreciated the support, prayers, and kindness he received from his home community and Facebook family and friends.

A celebration of Rick's life will be held at the Harmony United Methodist Church in Mankato, Kansas, on Monday, March 23, 2015, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held at Melby Mortuary in Mankato from 1:00-8:00 pm, Sunday, March 22, 2015, with family greeting guests from 6-8. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Rick Lehrling Memorial Fund at Farmway Credit Union.