John Louis Lengemann

John L. Lengemann, a lifelong resident of Imlay City and community leader, passed away July 7, 2025 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 7, 1941 in Imlay City, the son of William and Dorothy (Penzien) Lengemann. John graduated from Imlay City High School in 1959 and then attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and teacher's certificate. While at the University of Michigan, he played on the baseball team as pitcher. He was a die-hard fan of University of Michigan athletics as well as the Detroit Tigers and Lions and always hoped to see a repeat of the Lions' national championship from 1957.

After graduation, he taught history and coached football and baseball at Clio Area Schools until 1965 when he began his legal career by attending Wayne State University law school. John graduated in 1968 with a Juris Doctor degree, Magna Cum Laude. He was the recipient of many academic honors in Law School and graduated ranked 2nd in the class of over 200 students.

After finishing law school he joined James D. Morrice and in 1969 formed the law firm of Morrice & Lengemann. In 1998, Sally Miller joined the law firm as an associate, and has worked with John Lengemann as his law partner for 25 years. In 2016, Bill Lengemann joined the firm as an associate attorney, and became John and Sally's partner in 2018. John was a member of good standing in the State Bar of Michigan for 57 years. He vigorously represented each client with professionalism, honor, and integrity. He continued practicing law full-time until his death.

John has been active in his community. He is a past president of the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce, Lapeer County Bar Association, 40th Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and Imlay City Rotary Club. He was a member of the City Commission for the City of Imlay City, Imlay City Planning Commission, Imlay City Zoning and Housing Board of Appeals. John has been a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where he married his loving wife Maria-Luise Funk in October of 1999.

Over the years John and Maria-Luise have enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren as well as many trips across the United States and in Europe. Together with other members of their extended family, they spent many memorable times at their cabin at Canada Creek Ranch in Atlanta, MI. A hobbyist woodworker, John took on the ambitious projects of crafting handmade bed frames for each of his children and himself, demonstrating not only a mastery of the craft but also a deep commitment to creating meaningful and functional pieces for his family. In addition to his woodworking, John has been an avid golfer throughout his adult life. He played all of the old courses in Scotland and Ireland, and all of the top courses in the United States. This passion has not only developed his skills on the course but has also instilled in him values such as perseverance and sportsmanship. Moreover, John made significant contributions to the Imlay City basketball program as a coach and mentor. His guidance has positively impacted many young athletes, instilling in them the importance of discipline, hard work, and respect for one another. Outside of his professional and extracurricular engagements, John cherished his family. He often took his family out for dinners and hosted weekly Sunday gatherings, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.

John is survived by his beloved wife Maria Luise, loving children Kathleen (Michael) Packard of Superior, Colorado, Bill (Julia) Lengemann of Imlay City, Alex (Jennifer) Lengemann of Imlay City, Jack Lengemann of Imlay City; beloved grandchildren: Caroline, Sam and Elanor Packard; Mary, Ana and Lily Lengemann; Alexa and Levi Lengemann; and Justus Lengemann. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Susan Filson.

Visitation will be held on July 18, 2025 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Muir Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center (2650 South Van Dyke, Imlay City, MI 48444.) . A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (200 North Cedar Street, Imlay City, MI 48444.) Memorial Donations may be made to the Imlay City Food Bank at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in John's honor. Burial will take place at Imlay City Township Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Muir Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center (2650 South Van Dyke, Imlay City, MI 48444.) Be sure to share a fond memory of John on his memorial page at www.muirfh.com.