Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1936
DIED
2025
Eberhard Lehnardt Obituary
A Life Lived Boldly
April 29, 1936 ~ December 15, 2025
Dr. Eberhard Viktor Lehnardt was born in Berlin, Germany on April 29, 1936 to Mathilde Petersohn and Kurt Lehnardt. From the beginning, his name seemed to prophesy his life: Eberhard "heart of a wild boar," Viktor "victorious," and Lehnardt "lion-hearted."
When Eberhard was just sixteen years old, his father knew it was time to leave East Berlin for the survival of the entire family. With only a few belongings, tremendous courage, and his little brother, Fritz, by his side, Eberhard was dispatched to America to establish a base camp for the rest of his family to follow. His father fiercely believed in what America represents: freedom, opportunity, and abundance, and young Eberhard courageously embraced these unknown opportunities in front of him. He worked with energy and determination and successfully brought his mother, father, and siblings safely to America. The qualities demanded of him at such a young age are the ones he continued to refine and live by for the rest of his life.
In 1955, he served his adopted country with honor as a medic in the United States Air Force. In this setting, he continued to meet adversity without complaint and persisted when conditions seemed impossible. During this time, he also attended Gonzaga Military School in Spokane Washington, where he was first in his class. Guided by unwavering faith, he returned to Germany in 1959 to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He received his PhD in German Literature from Rice University in January 1979. As a beloved university professor at Clarion University in Pennsylvania and also at Utah Valley University, he inspired generations of students with his rare brilliance, deep understanding of the human spirit, and unmistakable wit. He constantly challenged the status quo, provoked thought, questioned assumptions, and expected excellence in colleagues and students alike. Long after his retirement, students regularly returned to share how profoundly he had changed and inspired their lives.
Though Parkinson's disease sought to slow him down later in life, it could not diminish his unconquerable spirit. He continued to travel, garden, adventure, go on sunset walks, and embrace the world with vigor. Even from a wheelchair, he completed his dream of being admitted to the University of Utah medical school at the age of 85. He was honored with a standing ovation at his white coat ceremony, a public honor that highlighted a life lived boldly, brilliantly, and without compromise. His story won an Emmy shortly after. In every bold adventure, he lived by the words of his favorite author, Goethe "He only earns his freedom and existence who daily conquers them anew."
Throughout his abundantly full life, family was the center of it all. He was a deeply devoted father to eight children and a proud grandfather. His home was always full of love and a shared thirst for knowledge. As a true Renaissance man, he was a lover of life, an adventurer, a uniquely brilliant thinker, an innovator, a teacher, and an enthusiastic connoisseur of Nutella and jam. His children and grandchildren will carry his legacy forward, always guided by the courage, curiosity, and joy that defined his life.
He leaves us with deep grief, but also with triumph and a celebration of life itself. He elevated everyone who knew him, and he will always continue to inspire us. In celebrating him, we celebrate what it means to be fully human and the triumph of the human spirit itself. As Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher, says "A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inward courage dares to live." Everyone will die, but only a few will truly live. My dad truly lived. We knew in our hearts Eberhard was ready to meet his Maker. Whether the Maker was ready to meet him is quite another matter.
We were given the extraordinary gift of an amazing father, friend, and colleague. Having had him was our honor; giving him back is our grief. We will miss him profoundly, and we look forward to seeing him again.
Dr. Lehnardt is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his children and grandchildren, three brothers, and one sister.
A memorial service celebrating Eberhard's remarkable life will be held on December 20, 2025. Friends, family, and all whose lives were touched by him are invited to attend and share memories, honor his legacy, and celebrate a life lived fully and brilliantly.
Memorial:
Viewing 10am | Service 11am
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ at Latter-day Saints, Springcreek 2nd Ward Building
350 North 400 East Springville, Utah, 84663.
Graveside Burial: 1pm
Redwood Memorial, 6500 South Redwood Road
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eberhard Lehnardt
1 Entry
Charles Lehnardt
December 20, 2025
I love Eberhard and his whole family. Whenever I came over I was treated with love. It was a home away from home when I was in college. I am sorry I had not seen him the last 10 years. I thank the Lord for the Plan of Salvation, the resurrection and the sealing of families. What joy we will feel to be reunited with our immediate family and ancestors on the next part of our journey to be as our Heavenly Father. I can imagine Eberhard with his mother and father all of whom sacrificed everything to follow the Savior. I see him serving the Savior now bringing the gospel to his ancestors in a way they will receive.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:30-34
30 But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
32 Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
33 These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
34 And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit."
Now Eberhard is free from his broken body, and he will be resurrected with a perfected body.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Eberhard Lehnardt's name
Memorial Events
for Eberhard Lehnardt
How to support Eberhard's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Eberhard Lehnardt's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
