James E. Lechner, age 77 of Durand, died Thursday, June 14, 2018 at the Neighbors of Dunn County in Menomonie.

Jim was born on May 25, 1941 in St. Paul, MN. He was the son of Edward and Jeanette (DeSmith) Lechner. Jim grew up in both Glenwood City and Elmwood and attended Elmwood High School. On July 2, 1958, Jim joined the U.S. Navy where he became a career Navy man. He did his basic training in Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, he served abroad on the USS Somers, USS Sierra, USS Hooper, USS Jouett and the USS Davidson. Jim married Teresa “Tess” Krings on December 31, 1962 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood. Over Jim’s naval career, Jim and Tess lived in Great Lakes, IL, San Diego, CA, Honolulu, HI and Washington D.C. In 1979, Jim took a position in Washington D.C. in the Naval Military Personnel Command and retired from the Navy as Chief of Naval Material in July of 1972. Jim’s rank at retirement was Master Chief Petty Officer-E9 in 1981. In retirement, Jim and Tess moved to Durand where he remained the rest of his life.

Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing and going on casino trips with his Navy friends. He also enjoyed playing cards and watching sports, especially football. Most of all, Jim loved to spend time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife; Tess, three daughters; Jayne (Steve) Porter of Wheelersburg, OH, Jeana (Larry) Burch of Huntingtown, MD and Jodi (Tad) Bauer of Durand, nine grandchildren; Shannon (Jason), Michael, Kayla (Chris), Josh, Taylor, Kelcie, Breleigh, Bently and Brinly, five great grandchildren; Ava, Cash, Kody, Konner and Ty, siblings; Bob (Mary Jo) of Menomonie, Joe of Elmwood, Tom (Dawn) of Elmwood, Mary (Ron) Kallio of Menomonie, Lori (Nancy) Lechner of Menomonie, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandson; Matthew Kline, one brother; Chuck and one sister; Linda Lawson.

Prayer Services will be 4:00 PM Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand with Rev. Paul Bosco officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181 of Durand. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM until the time of services at the funeral home on Wednesday.

Rhiel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Ralph Wright June 18, 2019, at 4:34pm

   Did not know Jim for long, just briefly as we both were interviewed at Chief of Naval Material for the position as Fleet Master Chief of the Naval Material Command. Jim was selected for the position and well deserved.

2. Frank Edmonds July 27, 2018, at 11:23am

   Made 1st trip to Viet Nam with Jim in spring of 68 on USS Jouett (DLG-29) Remember Jim well during that period. He was well respected on the ship. Sorry to hear of his passing.lici

3. Marilyn Baier June 24, 2018, at 4:19pm

   Thinking of all of you many times a day. I am so proud of you for doing such a great job with Jim...

4. Lynn and Myrna McRoberts June 19, 2018, at 3:57am

   Tessa and family, we were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies at this sad time

5. Sharon Moen June 18, 2018, at 6:34pm

   Tess and Family, My Sympathy, Love and
   prayers in this sad time. With Love, Sharon

6. Kathy Hutter-Messier June 18, 2018, at 9:56am

   Prayers for Tess and family. Peace for you all

7. Arlan Henke June 17, 2018, at 9:24pm

   My sympathy and prayers for all who loved Jim. That our Father Creator comforts. Psalm 46 God is our protection and source of strength.
   He is always ready to help us in times of trouble.
   So we are not afraid when the earth quakes
   and the mountains fall into the sea.
   We are not afraid when the seas become rough and dark
   and the mountains tremble.
   There is a river whose streams bring happiness to God’s city,
   to the holy city of God Most High.
   God is in that city, so it will never be destroyed.
   He is there to help even before sunrise.
   Nations will shake with fear and kingdoms will fall
   when God shouts and makes the earth move.
   The Lord All-Powerful is with us.
   The God of Jacob is our place of safety.
   Look at the powerful things the Lord has done.
   See the awesome things he has done on earth.
   He stops wars all over the world.
   He breaks the soldiers’ bows, shatters their spears, and burns their shields.
   God says, “Stop fighting and know that I am God!
   I am the one who defeats the nations;
   I am the one who controls the world.”

8. Paula June 17, 2018, at 4:32pm

   Dear Jodie and tad family so sorry for loss I'll keep you in my prayers

   Paula. Smithd

9. Rick and Carol Richardson June 17, 2018, at 3:47pm

   Sympathy to all.

10. Kayla Kenard June 16, 2018, at 2:22pm

    I love you grandpa

11. Richard and Donna Karshbaum June 16, 2018, at 9:55am

    You all Have our Deepest Sympathy, God Bless you ! !!!!

12. Monica Heitman June 16, 2018, at 9:17am

    My deepest sympathy to all the family. May God bless you with great memories and peace.

13. John and Judy parr June 16, 2018, at 6:38am

    So sorry for your loss hugs

14. Walter Hovland June 15, 2018, at 11:47pm

    My prayers go out to the family
    Always enjoyed being around Jim he was a good man and will be missed

15. Barbara Conrad June 15, 2018, at 7:15pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jayne, and your family.

16. Mary Lansing June 15, 2018, at 12:30pm

    My condolences and prayers are with you during this time of loss. May God Bless you with peace.

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