Joseph Everett Lehrer

LEHRER, JOSEPH EVERETT Joseph E. Lehrer, 79, of Denver, died October 29. A third-generation Colorado native and long-time local business owner, Joe is survived by wife Lois; children Linda, Keith, Ken, Laurie and Lisa; brothers Lawrence and Jim; and 11 grandchildren. Born May 21, 1923 to Lawrence and Ethel Lehrer, Joe was the youngest of five children. He grew up on a 13 acre family farm in southeast Denver at the current intersection of Holly and Evans. Joe's great-great-grandmother, Jeanette Davis, was one of the original pioneers in Colorado, arriving via covered wagon in 1864. Joe graduated from Englewood High School in 1941. He was senior class president, played football, and ran track. Following high school he enrolled at Colorado State University (then, "Aggies"). His education was interrupted by World War II. Joe joined the Army in 1944 and was sent to France. He landed on Utah Beach two weeks after the initial invasion. His unit proceeded through France into Germany. After the war, Joe completed his Electrical Engineering degree at CSU. Upon graduation he worked for Westinghouse two years, then taught mathematics at Keenesburg High School. In 1954 Joe married Lois Jean McPherson and founded Lehrer Metal Products, manufacturing ornamental iron products. The business expanded into patio furniture and fireplace equipment. In 1984, he passed the business on to sons Keith and Ken. They now have three locations known as Lehrer Fireplace and Patio. Two daughters also work in the family business. All the family live in the Denver area, with the exception of one daughter. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Denver First Church of the Nazarene, 3800 E. Hampden Ave., with reception after.