Emma Lehr

Age 93 of Monroe, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at the Monroe Manor surrounded by her family and loving caregivers. Emma was born June 14, 1919 in Herisau, Appenzell, Switzerland, the daughter of U. Ernst and Emma (Zellweger) Ehrbar. She immigrated to the United States via Ellis Island with her family in October, 1927. They settled in New Glarus, but also lived in the Mt. Vernon and Barneveld area.  Emma became a citizen of the United States in 1942.

She served as a WAAC (Women’s Auxiliary Army Corp) in WWII, from 1943 until 1946. She was assigned to Camp Kilmer, N.J., Camp Shanks, N.Y., and Fort Oglethorpe, GA  serving as an X-Ray technician. Emma received the American Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the WAAC Service Ribbon.

Emma and Max Lehr were married on February 22, 1947 at St. John’s United Church of Christ. Emma worked as a nursing assistant at St. Clare Hospital and later was employed for 29 years as a Medical Assistant in the Monroe Clinic Optometry Dept. before retiring in 1990.  She was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ of Monroe, Monroe Turn and Schwing Club, and a member of the Wisconsin Paraoptometric Assoc. She received the Madison Society Optometric Assistant of the Year Award in 1984.

She is survived by three children, Rick (Margaret) Lehr of Reeseville, WI, Sharon (Craig) Ackermann of Argyle, and Carol (Peter) Mitschke of Longmont, CO; five grandchildren, Kara (Todd) Abraham, Brandon Ackermann, Carolyn, Michaela, and Katrina Mitschke; a step-grandson, Matthew Monte;  two great-grandchildren, Jared and Macie Abraham; a sister-in-law, June Ehrbar of Green Bay; and nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ernest Ehrbar; and a step-grandson, Brian Monte.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at 11:00 a.m., at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Monroe, with Rev. Gretchen Sylvester officiating. Burial with military honors will be on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the White Church Cemetery, Barneveld, WI. Visitation will be at church on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund will be established in Emma’s name. The Newcomer Funeral Home, Monroe, is assisting the family. To share a memory or sign the guestbook go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net