Thomas Lehrer

Published 3:08 pm Wednesday, January 15, 2025

December 18, 1938 – January 11, 2025

Thomas J. Lehrer, 86, of Niles, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday afternoon, January 11, 2025, at Corewell Health Niles Hospital.

He was born on December 18, 1938, in Appleton, WI, the son of the late Moritz R. and Anna E. (O’Brien) Lehrer. On January 14, 1961, he was united in marriage to the former Bernice “Jane” Kusterer. Tom was employed by F.W. Woolworth Co. for 46 years until their closing in 1996, where he retired as Vice President.

Surviving are three children – Charles Lehrer of Texas; Joan (Jerry) Povalawski of Idaho and Patty (Brad) Hickerson of Niles; twelve grandchildren; Carolyn (Bob) Shay, Jessica (Matt) Powers, Megan (Michael) DeLaFuente, Kathy (Andy) Hornbacher, Kelly (Lucas) Borah, Mike (Sarah) Kretchman, Scott (Jennifer) Kretchman, Rachel Fulmer, Spencer Calley, Ashley (Matt Klein) Calley, Samantha (Tyler) Ford and Wyatt Hickerson; two sisters – Monica (Larry) Carlson and Loretta Zielinski; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his wife of 54 years – Jane Lehrer; brother – John Lehrer and sister – Anna Mae Lehrer.

Private family services were held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Dowagiac. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Dowagiac. Please visit Tom’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave condolences to his family at www.clarkch.com.