pSACKETS HARBOR – Theodore Lehnert, age 80, of Sackets Harbor, loving husband, proud father, dedicated PopPop, avid fisherman, and animal lover passed away in his home surrounded by his family on Monday, February 8, 2016. /ppA native of New Jersey, he served proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, with many tattoos to prove it. /ppHe knew he had found the one, Gertrude Hibbard, from the moment he met her. They married February 17, 1961, in Plainfield, N.J., and had a beautiful life together. His greatest accomplishment is the family that he and Gert built together. Ted’s spirit lives on through his five daughters, Jeanne (David) Friedman, Donna (Robert) Finch, Robin (Myron) DeFranco, Pamela Creighton and Catherine Lehnert. He was incredibly proud of his 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. /ppHe worked hard throughout his life to provide for his family, and was well known for his talents as a carpenter. He could build anything and had a strong work ethic. He even once taped a hammer to his broken hand so he could continue working. /ppIt’s no surprise that Ted was also known for his physical accomplishments. He was a Golden Gloves boxer in the Navy, and never gave up that desire to challenge himself and succeed. Ted could always be found lifting weights in his basement. He went on to become a four-time national and world champion in amateur bench-press competitions, while also breaking three world records. You have to be strong to survive in a house with that many women. /ppAlthough he was a strong man, those who loved him knew that he had the gentlest heart. He would do anything for those he cared for, always putting their happiness first. He was known by his family for his humor, and saw no issue inviting the dog up to sit at the table for some birthday cake if it would put a smile on his daughters’ faces. He kept everything that had a meaning. His home was adorned with things that reminded him of his family. Whether it was a little trinket, a photograph, or a scrap of paper doodled on by a grandchild, it was all special to Ted. He also had the enviable talent of finding every stray cat in the village and making sure it had food and a warm place to sleep./ppWhen he couldn’t be found fishing in Dexter on the Black River or in his garage, he was cheering on his family at their high-school sporting events, or beating his grandchildren in Jeopardy. His greatest joy was having his home and backyard overrun with his loved ones. /ppHe is now reunited with his wife Gert Lehnert, his parents, Theodore and Rose Lehnert, his sister Barbara Saler, as well as the countless family pets he has loved in his lifetime./ppPer his request, there will be no viewing or calling hours. Service will be held at the grave site at the family’s convenience. A celebration of his life is being held at the Sackets Harbor American Legion on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 3-5pm. Donations can be made to the Sackets Harbor Ambulance Fund and the SPCA. Or do as Ted would and go ahead and adopt an animal to love for yourself. /ppArrangements are with the TLC Funeral Home in Watertown./p
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