Timothy Lehse

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LC

Leah Carlson

Timothy Lehse

June 22nd, 1969 - March 11th, 2020

June 22nd, 1969 - March 11th, 2020

Memories of my son - by Joyce Lehse Donnie and I welcomed Tim into the world on March 22, 1969, weighing in at 7 lbs, 9 ozs. Tim was baptized in the Lutheran faith with Aunt Marvel and Uncle Gary as sponsors. He grew up with his older brothers, Barry and Richard. Tim enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his many pets - ducks, bunnies, the family dog Tippy, and later on his beloved golden lab, Sage. As a teenager he rode a unicycle as well as a motorcycle. He most enjoyed going up north to Sebeka/Menahga to the farm to visit Grandpa (Dave) Carlson, Margaret and Uncle Dennis and family. There he would ride cousin Jenny's horses, Winnie and Danny. He had such good memories of this, plus Aunt Elaine's cooking which couldn't be beat (although he always assured me that his mom was a good cook too)! For a short while he enjoyed deer hunting until the first time he had to participate in the gutting process. That was the end of deer hunting for him! Tim got a Hydraulics Technician degree and worked in that capacity for a while, but later on went into semi-truck driving over the road often through treacherous mountains. Clearly this worried me! One of his hobbies was hunting through garage sales for good deals and reselling items at the Medina Flea Market. Tim loved to fish any chance he could get. He much enjoyed playing guitar, writing, and recording his original songs. The last couple of years he had a lovely woman in his life, Erika, who went with him fishing up north and out to eat at Perkins, his favorite restaurant. Erika (bless her heart) stood by him when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which ultimately took his life on March 11, 2020. From his mid 20's on, Tim suffered from an awful disease combination: schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This largely affected his daily life making it such a hard road to travel. Tim also had an overwhelming weakness for gambling - "Black Jack" being the calling card. He would win a lot of money but then end up playing it all back (much to my dismay). Despite these extraordinary life challenges, Tim was a loving, caring, thoughtful and generous son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. He is much loved and we cherish the wonderful memories we have of him. I miss him every day - my little boy. He Is Just a Little Boy By Chaplain Bob Fox He stands at the plate with his heart pounding fast. The bases are loaded, the die has been cast. Mom and Dad cannot help him, he stands all alone. A hit at this moment would send his team home. The ball meets the plate, he swings and he misses. There's a groan from the crowd, with some boos and some hisses. A thoughtless voice cries, "Strike out the bum." Tears fill his eyes, the game's no longer fun. So open up your heart and give him a break, for it's moments like this, a man you can make. Please keep this in mind when you hear someone forget, He is just a little boy, and not a man yet. To watch a memorial slideshow and to listen to some of Tim's songs and a couple tunes by Denny, go to the VIDEOS tab. If you are viewing this on a mobile device, click on POSTS and then GALLERY to find the VIDEOS.

Tributes

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RT

Ryan Thompson

I, Marvel Mueller, feel so fortunate to have been in Tim's life and be his godmother. Elroy and I visited Tim a few times while he waa at Texas Terrace. Tim was such a joy to spend time with. We had some nice talks. It became apparent that Tim was so ready to go. I am so thankful to have known Tim. He is and will be dearly missed.

Published July 27th, 2020
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RT

Ryan Thompson

Tim was not just a cousin. He was a good friend. One of my best friends. When one of us would write a new song, the first thing we did was call the other to play it for him. We shared our love of music since we were very young boys. I was maybe 7 or 8, and Tim was year or two older than me, when we purchased a 45 single of Another Bites the Dust, by Queen. We spent the rest of the day playing tennis rackets as guitars and dancing around his bedroom while listening to that record. I think that really started our friendship. He will always be missed.

Published July 7th, 2020
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EW

Erika Wilkie

Dearest Tim, You embodied so much of what is good in this world, it's hard to know where to start. I guess the most obvious thing to mention be your amazing smile and laugh. Having looked at all the pictures of you that have been shared. Much of what you told me from your memories and stories have been solidified. It is priceless looking at them and seeing that same Bright smile throughout the years. I wish I would have met you sooner to have shared such a joy. I know that going out into the country and up to the farm was one of your most "happy places".; I feel very fortunate to have shared that with you in The Summer of 2018. Seeing you in your element--Laughing together, exchanging thoughts and ideas,rolling down country roads looking for a good lake or water hole to drop a line, singing songs --just having the pleasure of really getting to know you. The further you got out of the city the more the anxiety and paranoia seemed to melt off you. I'm very happy I got to experience thatt time with you. To see your spirit shine so bright **. When you got sick with cancer and you became more tired and weak, yet nothing could take away the twinkle and your smile. What impressed me the most about that time was your kind and earnest heart. You always had time to listen to me. Even though you were truly dealing with your own battles and mortality -- you always gave me the sweetest pep talks over hot coffee and pancakes. Reminding me that finding what makes me happy in life, is what's really most important. You were a true and loyal friend to me.You always had my back. This I will miss terribly. My heart will always be amazed by the Grace in which you carried yourself while going through hospice and living at The Cedars in St.Louis Park. You carried yourself like a true gentleman. You knew everyone's name,both other Residents and Staff. You would walk down the corridors greeting everyone, saying hello and asking how people were doing. You barely ever let on to any pain physically or emotionally you were feeling. I witnessed many times, you caring more about other people's comfort and feelings more than your own. Going out of your way to make someone's day. Putting your own needs aside. The world is going to miss you~ But I know that you have found the Peace that you so deserve. I wish you …. beautiful and amazing guitar sessions. Endless challenging and fun games of pool Super belly laughs that tickle your soul Perfectly hidden sunny ponds and lakes,where you will find that ever elusive Walleye! Yeppers""..that's right!! Love you forever sweet man. Erika

Published July 12th, 2020
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LC

Leah Carlson

When I think of Tim I remember his mischievous smile and distinctive laugh. When we were kids, he was the one who would talk us into all sorts of outdoor adventures on the farm. He had us hauling the canoes down to the flooded low ground, trying to swim in that swamp, bonfires on the ice, sleeping under the stars with no tent… fun times! He spent some time as a teenager staying with us in the summers. I have a very specific memory of grocery shopping in our tiny local store with him, my siblings and my mom. He kept bursting out singing "Your Cheatin' Heart" at the top of his lung full Hank Williams style. Mom was mortified and kept shushing him.. but the rest of us thought it was a hoot! He just had a joyful, boisterous energy about him. While his battle with Schizophrenia as an adult caused him to pull back from social life, I always appreciated the short times I got to spend with him. He was so open hearted, giving and genuine. Such a lovely soul. Rest in peace Tim. I hope you are having an epic, joyfilled, spiritual adventure.

Published July 4th, 2020
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