Lehman Joann

1945 - 2025

Lehman Joann

August 22, 1945 - August 9, 2025

Joann Kay Sands Lehman, known to many as Josie, passed away at home on August 9, 2025, with her husband of 55 years at her side.

Josie entered this world on August 22, 1945, the youngest of five children born to Joe and Tena Sands in rural Eleva, Wisconsin. A gifted writer and storyteller, Josie would tell that she was so tiny when she was born, her mother fit her in a small dresser drawer (sometimes embellished to be a shoebox). Size aside, Josie lived courageously, featuring a band in the Eleva-Strum Broiler Fest annual talent shows and playing percussion and participating in debate at Eleva-Strum where she graduated from high school in 1963. Josie later graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in history education and taught high school in Amery and Sparta.

Josie met the love of her life, Jim Lehman, in 1966. Although they were virtually neighbors, just a few miles and valleys between their families' Eleva and Mondovi farms, they had never met until introduced through friends with whom Josie spent her college summers as a camp counselor. Josie and Jim took a drive in her 1968 Ford Galaxy convertible and the rest was history. Josie and Jim were married in April 1970, and they raised three daughters in Eau Claire. Josie later returned to work, her most recent role, which she dearly loved, as a Lutheran community specialist for Thrivent Financial in Eau Claire.

In 1999, Jim and Josie moved to Josie's home farm in rural Eleva. Together they worked on their vision for this special property, with many flower gardens, a pond, and a renovated farmhouse. Josie loved gardening, mowing the lawn, and caring for her many barn cats.

Josie's life changed forever when she suffered a stroke at age 60. She nearly died, but God blessed us with almost 20 more years with her. During that time, she relearned to walk, talk, swallow, and even open her eyes. She chose every day to overcome any obstacles and "rejoice in what I've been given." She loved seeing her daughters and her three grandkids, riding her scooter, thriftsaling, painting, watching her fish in her koi pond, and reading more than 50 books a year.

Josie's spirit will shine brightly in all those who knew her and loved her. Josie is survived by her husband Jim, daughters Jennifer Studer, Joanna Lehman (Josh Dutton), and Julia Lehman Caldwell (Charles Caldwell) and grandchildren Christopher Studer, Wesley Caldwell, and Beatrix Lehman Dutton.

Josie was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Tena Sands, her mother and father-in-law Ken and Carolyn Lehman, her brother-in-law George Brown, and all of her siblings: Joe Sands Jr, Audrey Johnson, La Verne Sands, and Robert Sands. Josie was also preceded in death by numerous brother and sister in-laws.

Our family would like to extend a thank you to Peace Lutheran Church, and all of our friends and family for their love and support over the years.

A memorial service will take place at 11 am on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Peace Church, 501 E Fillmore Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Visitation will take place at the church on that day, Friday, August 22, 2025 from 9 am until the time of service. Inurnment will take place later that day (2 pm) at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in the township of Pleasant Valley.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.