Donald J. Lechner, 95, of Streator passed away Monday, August 31, 2026 at his residence in Streator.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 A.M. Friday, September 4th at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.
Visitation will be from 9-11 A.M. Friday, September 4th at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.
Burial will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Leonore. Full military honors will be accorded by members of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492 and the Long Point American Legion Post 1217.
Born March 30, 1931 in Streator he was the son of Urban and Louise (Schmitz) Lechner. He married Marilyn J. Schmitt on June 10, 1952 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Leonore. She survives in Streator.
He is also survived by his children, LuAnn (Dan) Shields of Darien, John (Connie) Lechner of Darien, Joan (Donald) Adams of Normal, Paula (Jeff) Park of Darien, Michael (Ruth) Lechner of Streator and Laura (Robert) Webb of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Elaine Lukach and brothers, Norbert, Dean and Danny Lechner.
He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade School and graduated from Lostant High School. He later served in the United States Army, having spent time in Germany.
He worked through the years for Smith Douglas and P&A Auto parts. He later retired from Illinois Agri-News as a sales and advertising coordinator.
He was a member of the former St. Anthony Church and currently belonged to St. Michael the Archangel Church. He was very active with his church through the years serving on several committees including the building maintenance and building fund. He also served as a Eucharistic Minister, Usher and a Server for funerals through the years. He was a member of the Msgr. George A. Dzuryo Knights of Columbus Council #790, Streator Elks Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492, Christ Renews his Parish and he also volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years.
Memorials may be directed to St. Michael the Archangel Parish.
Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.solontelford.com.
