Robert 'Bob' Arnold Lechner — Mantorville

Robert "Bob" Arnold Lechner passed away Friday, April 3, 2015, at the age of 86 at his home.

Robert was born Dec. 19, 1928, to Otto and Winifred Lechner on the family farm in Washburn, N.D. He graduated from Washburn High School in 1946. After high school, he worked on the family farm and on Garrison Dam. He then attended NDSU for three years. He then returned to run the family farm. Robert joined the U.S. Army from 1954-1956. After his military service, he returned and graduated from North Dakota State University. In 1958, he began working for IBM at Grand Forks Air Force Base (SAGE). While in Grand Forks he met M. Loretta Gerszewski-Sevigny, they were married Dec. 26, 1959, at St. Michael's Church in Grand Forks. In 1962 he transferred to Rochester, and in 1978 was transferred to Vermont, where he earned his master's degree. They were transferred back to Rochester in 1979. Robert retired from IBM in 1990.

Robert became involved in Boy Scouts in 1963. He became the leader of Cub Pack 376 in San Jose, Calif., from 1964-1967. In 1968, he was assistant Scoutmaster, and in 1969, Robert became Scoutmaster. He remained a Scoutmaster in both San Jose and Mantorville until 1994, (eight years after his youngest son was out of scouting). While in scouting, he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1995 (one of Boy Scouts highest adult honors). Robert was awarded the Scouters Key in 1977. In 1979, Robert was awarded "Scouter of the Year" for the district. He was also a member of the "Order of the Arrow."

Robert was a member of the Knights of Columbus (4th degree) for many years. At Christ the King Church he was a trustee and taught CCD. Robert also was a reader for the church. He also called bingo for the church and for the Knights of Columbus. Robert was a member of MCCL (right to life) for more than 25 years. He was involved with the American Legion for more than 30 years. He served as commander of Post 333 in Kasson. Robert also served in many state and district Legion positions over the years.

Robert is survived by his wife, Loretta; son, Dale, of Rosemount; daughter, Jane (Mark) Senn and their children, Corinna and Mitchell, of Fountain City, Wis; son, Raymond (Jen) Lechner and their children, Naomi, Shelby, Sonny and Joseph, of Laurel, Md.; son, Mark Sevigny, of Rochester; son, Paul Sevigny, of Acworth , Ga.; son, Isidore (Patty) Sevigny, of Alpine, Wyo; granddaughter, Marilee (Mark) Chomos and children, Brittany and Brianna, of Las Vegas, Nev.; granddaughter, Jessica Sevigny, of Ashville, N.C.; grandson, Robert Sevigny, of Kenai, Alaska; granddaughter, Rhoda (deceased); great-granddaughters, Bryjitte, Tessa and Izibelle. He is also survived by a sister, Betty; sister, Mavis (Wilbur) Phenning; and a brother, Curtis (Jean) Lechner.

He was preceded in death (besides his granddaughter, Rhoda) by his father, mother and son, Dean Lechner.

Robert was a loving father, very family oriented. He loved visiting family and friends. He loved nature an was an avid outdoorsman.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 202 Fourth St. NW, Byron, MN 55920.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9 a.m. Friday, April 10, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Byron, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave. S, in Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorial to them, to distribute later.

Dibble Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Kasson is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at dibblefuneralhome.com .