Remembered as funny, caring and a friend to all, Michael (Mike) Lehenbauer, 57, died peacefully at his home in rural Grygla, MN, on February 24, 2011. He was born Michael George Lehenbauer to P.C. "Jim" Lehenbauer and Betty (Ramsey) Lehenbauer Griggs on November 20, 1953 in Davenport, Iowa. Mike was a member of the West High School Class of 1972 and was admired by classmates for his kind, gentle nature and ability to make people laugh. He attended college at Iowa State University and in Portland, OR, and was employed by John Deere in Moline, IL, and most recently Digi Key in Thief River Falls. He also lived in South Carolina for many years where he developed a passion for sail boating.

Among his many interests, Mike enjoyed farming and had a fondness for the varieties of garlic that he grew. He devoted many weekends during the growing season to helping at a neighbors farm. He also liked to travel and this past Christmas treasured the time he spent with family in the Quad-Cities.

Mike is survived by his life partner and former high school classmate, Bev Gomez; brothers James (Fiona) Lehenbauer of Guatemala City, Guatemala, Steve (Terry) Lehenbauer of Fairfield, CA, David (Constance) Lehenbauer in Sedona, AZ, and Scott Griggs of Clinton, IA; sisters Jane (Clayton) Allsbrow of Tupelo, MS and Jodie (Bruce) White of Milan, IL; and uncles, Richard McGrath, of Bettendorf, IA, Pete Lehenbauer of MS and Jack Lehenbauer of TX, and an aunt, Edna Daniell of TX; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family condolences may be posted online at www.johnsonfuneralservice..com.

A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Clement's Catholic Church in Grygla, MN.

A memorial gathering of friends and family will be held this summer in Davenport, Iowa.