Obituary

Kevin Paul Lehmann passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at the age of 41 at Advent Health Hospital in Kissimmee, Florida, with his mom Pauline, her husband Jake, and longtime caregivers Janice and Don Reinhart by his side. Kevin spent his happy toddler years in the countryside of Shantz Station, Maryhill, ON. A robust and energetic little boy, he tragically suffered a brain injury at just 19 months old. After receiving care at Grand River, SickKids, and Bloorview Rehab, he spent four years at the wonderful Hopewell Children’s Home in Ariss, while spending as much time as possible with his mom and sisters. At the age of 7, Kevin was welcomed into full-time private care with Janice and Don Reinhart in their home in Glen Morris. For 13 years, Janice accompanied Kevin to various schools, supporting him in Special Needs classrooms. Janice and Don’s consistent winter trips to Florida evolved into extended stays of over five months, giving Kevin the chance to experience the magic of Disney Parks. He delighted in the shows, characters, and all things Disney—books, music, videos, stuffed animals, and t-shirts filled his world. Florida’s warmth and creative energy allowed Kevin to truly live his best life. As his world expanded, Kevin’s sweet personality blossomed. He loved walks in the woods, watching children play noisily at the park, flirting with ladies at the grocery store, country drives with his choice of music, and spending time on the porch at his Glen Morris home, surrounded by spinning toys and, of course, more music. Trips to the African Lion Safari and home visits with his family all enriched his life. Kevin’s life was beautifully woven with the love, care, and prayers of many—his church community, specialists, babysitters, relatives, therapists, teachers, and even strangers. His joyful spirit remained steadfast, even as his body grew frail in later years. His innocence, radiant smile, and sparkling eyes drew everyone to him. We celebrate Kevin’s remarkable life and his resilience through countless challenges. Against all odds, he lived a longer and richer life than anyone expected. His story is a testament to the hand of God, which brought supernatural strength to sustain the many who cared for Kevin throughout his life. Kevin is deeply mourned by his mom Pauline (Lefneski) and her husband Jake Thiessen, as well as his sister Patricia Schnurr (Mark) and their children Hannah and Eliot, and his sister Cara and her children Cameron and Lindsay Croll. He is also profoundly missed by his devoted caregivers of 35 years, Janice and Don Reinhart. Kevin, cherished as the apple of his father’s eye, was predeceased by his father Patrick Lehmann in 2007. Kevin was predeceased by 9 of his 25 aunts and uncles, as well as his grandparents Joy (2024) and Ernest (2013) Lefneski, and Isabelle (2013) and Carl (1965) Lehmann. He is remembered fondly by two wonderful circles of cousins, 31 in total, and predeceased by cousins Michael Fay (2004) and Steven Hildenbrandt (2012). Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 2:00–4:00pm and 6:00–8:00pm at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00am at the Ariss Valley Golf and Country Club, 5700 Wellington Rd 86, Ariss, ON, with a reception to follow. Burial will take place in the spring. For those unable to attend, you may join the family via live stream at www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hopewell Children Homes (cards available at the funeral home). Please visit www.henrywalser.com for Kevin’s memorial.