Friedrich "Fred" Konrad Lechner

Fred was born in Aidenbach, Germany in 1934, one of nine children, the son of Johann and Maria Lechner. He studied for the priesthood from the age of 10 to 14 at the monastery in Passau, Germany. He then worked as an apprentice baker and baker in Germany and Switzerland before coming to the United States in 1956, sponsored by his Uncle Geroge Lechner. Upon coming to America, he served two years in the United Stated Army after completing his basic training at Fort Carson and finished his service in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Fred settled in the Chicago area and worked as a baker and at the Caterpillar plant before becoming a real-estate broker.

During this time, he met his soul mate and soon to be wife Helen, and they began their life’s journey together in Illinois. Helen and Fred were married in 1958 and had six children: Ralph, Sarah, Michael, Marlene, Mary and Michele. In 1971, Fred moved the family to Custer in the Black Hills of South Dakota and worked as a land developer.

In 1974 Fred moved the family to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Fred continued his diversified real estate career. He and Helen always worked hand-in-hand striving to help the many people they encountered over the years. Together Helen and Fred became life-long active members of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, where they were active with the Food Pantry and with helping the homeless and needy in the Colorado Springs area. He also opened his home to refugees from many parts of the world, not to mention the many neighborhood kids needing a home away from home. He had a passion for reading up on the world events and would surprise us all with his wealth of knowledge he possessed with current and past history.

Fred lived an exemplary life, providing a shining example of love, service to others, compassion, and understanding. His impact on those in his life and the many others in his sphere of influence cannot be measured.

Fred is survived by his wife Helen of 66 years, his children Ralph (Lori) Lechner, Michael (Ingrid) Lechner, Marlene (Scott) Mills, Mary (Gary) Barnett, 19 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his daughter Sarah (Pat) Hergenrother.

A funeral mass will be held at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 10:00AM, Saturday, November 30, 2024, located at 927 North Logan Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Catholic Charities of Central Colorado.

Fred’s family would like to thank all the wonderful nursing staff at Winslow Court and the exemplary staff at Optimal Hospice over the last months of his life.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.”