John Joseph Lehnst

John Lehnst, a modern renaissance man if there ever was one, passed from this world on May 24, 2025. He was 76 years old. He leaves behind his adoring wife of 47 years Jeanie, his children Jason and Jamie, 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild with another great-grandchild on the way.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska on August 6, 1948, John’s family moved a great deal as he grew up, leading to childhood experiences living in Nebraska, California, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. As a kid he enjoyed being in Boy Scouts, rising to the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was extremely gifted musically, and began teaching guitar lessons while he was barely of teen age. He was in many rock and roll bands in his high school years in St. Louis and his college days in Pittsburg, Kansas. He returned to music later in life performing in church choir and founding the praise band at St. Paul’s.

John taught high school music briefly after graduating from Pittsburg State University, before he followed his father into the seed corn business. This led him to Williamsburg, Iowa where he met the love of his life, Jeanie. They were married on March 11, 1978 and they raised two lovely children that he cherished. The Lehnst household, whether it was in Manchester or Williamsburg, was always filled with life, love and laughter.

In 1994, after a long career in the seed business, he founded what would become Management Recruiters of Iowa City, an executive staffing firm that specializes in serving the agri-business industry. He would never work for any boss other than Jeanie for the remainder of his life.

A man of deep faith and community, John served in various roles to move both his church and community forward. In Manchester he was a little league coach, a Scout leader, a school board member, a member of Lions Club and he initiated a program that checked in on senior citizens in the community. In Williamsburg he was instrumental in the construction of the new St. Paul Methodist Church, church choir, various Christmas and music programs and he served on committees to enhance economic development in the Iowa County area.

He is survived by his wife Jeanie, his children Jason Lehnst (Tammy Houlihan), Jamie (Steve) Patterson, six grandchildren: Jeana (Damien), Jackson, Jagger, Joesyn, Jase and Jennix, great-grandchild Juniper, sisters Vicki (Jeff) Adams and Karen (Doug) Munch, brother Mike (Ronda) Lehnst, aunt Dixie Harrison, brothers-in-law Dale (Janet) Gardner and Paul (Betty) Gardner and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Donna Lehnst, brother Bobby Lehnst, father and mother-in-law Lyall and Nadine Gardner, sister-in-law Rita Johnston and nephew Alan Gardner.

John loved being a part of the Williamsburg community. A born city kid, he found peace living in small town Iowa where he spent the last 49 years of his life. He loved spicy food, scorching guitar riffs, action films with loud sound effects, a good horn section and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. There was nothing he loved more than his wife and his family, and he was proud of each and every one of them. John was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Williamsburg. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.