Mel Lehman, 75

Mel Lehman born Feb. 21, 1949, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 18, 2024, at his beloved ranch in the Highwood Mountains. He was 75 years old.

He was raised in Chester, where he enjoyed a vibrant youth filled with sports and adventures alongside his lifelong friends, Pete Glee and Phil Aaberg. He pursued higher education at Montana State University and later the University of Puget Sound, ultimately earning a graduate degree in Environmental Science at the University of Florida, in Gainesville. There, he founded an environmental engineering and consulting firm, which he successfully ran for nearly two decades, creating several lifelong friendships along the way. While in Gainesville, Mel was married and raised his two children, Amalie Lehman and Marcus Lehman, Maryland. 

Mel returned to his Montana roots to assist his family at the ranch. It was there he reconnected with a former classmate and married Marsha Spicher Lehman. Together, they split their time between Kalispell and the Highwood Mountains where Mel continued to contribute to the family homestead. In addition to maintaining the family ranch, Mel held positions with the Flathead Basin Commission, CDM Smith, and Great Falls College-MSU. His days on the ranch were spent rehabilitating his favorite tractors, maintaining pristine fence lines, occasionally hunting, enjoying time on the porch with Marsha, his children, siblings, and his neighbors and friends. Mel's deep faith and gratitude for God's gift of days remained central to his life, guiding him until his peaceful passing.

He is survived by his wife, Marsha; son, Marcus (Brittany Avonts) of Cincinnati, Ohio; stepdaughter, Allison Badger of Pocatello, Idaho; and sisters, Carolyn (Dwight) Kirsch of Port Angeles, Washington, and Donna (Arnold) Kanewischer of Kalispell. Mel will be missed by his baby granddaughter, Josephine, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Margaret Lehman; daughter, Amalie Lehman; and stepson, Matthew Badger. His legacy of stewardship, love, and faith will continue to inspire those who knew him.

A memorial service to honor Mel's life will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, 1410 13th St. South, Great Falls. The service will be followed by burial at Highland Cemetery and a reception at Schnider Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Mel's memory.

Mel will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.