It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Otto Lehmann, a loving family man with an always helping hand.

Jack passed away on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Centralia, Washington, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Feb. 11, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, to Donald and Deloris Lehmann. Jack attended Benson Polytechnic High School in Oregon, then graduated from Multnomah College.

Jack honorably served his county, joining the Navy in 1967, where he received the National Defense Service Medal. In 1998, he married his best friend Debbie in Tenino. Jack was a caring person and helped all people who needed it — friend, family or stranger. One of his proudest moments came at just 18 years old when he and four friends rescued a 14-year-old girl from drowning at Cape Lookout State Park. The boys battled stormy currents and treacherous conditions to bring her to safety. This act of heroism earned Jack the American Red Cross Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action and the Carnegie Medal for Heroism. This selfless act was one of many of Jack’s; he was always happy to help. Jack continued to help all those he could professionally, working as a drug counselor for the Salvation Army, the Thurston County Jail and Eugenia Center. In his free time, Jack enjoyed building models, gardening, reading and spending time with his grandkids.

Jack is survived by his wife and best friend of 26 years, Debbie Lehmann; children, Lacey Lehmann, Michelle Lehmann, Jason (Amanda) Stidham, Angela Stidham and Chris (Holly) Stidham; sister, Sue; and grandkids, Owen, Miles, Bronson, Finley and Christopher "Ralph." He is preceded in death by parents, Donald and Deloris.

A celebration of life potluck will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at The Salvation Army, 303 N. Gold St., Centralia. If you knew Jack, you were a friend; please come and share a plate, memories and love.

Jack was a great man and will be greatly missed.