Jack Alan Lehto passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the St. Cloud VA hospice. He was born on June 6, 1951, in Ironwood, Michigan to Milton M. and Ellen (Polvi) Lehto.

Jack proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1969 to 1973. He was an Engineman aboard the icebreaker USCGC Westwind. His service took him on amazing adventures to the North and South Poles and countless places around the globe. He also served as a lighthouse keeper at the Rock of Ages lighthouse in Lake Superior.

After his military service, Jack pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He spent most of his career to working as a water/sewer operator, where he was given the nickname “the Sewer Wizard.”

Jack was passionate about gardening, woodworking, home improvement projects and simply working hard on anything. He did not always live by the wisdom of "work smarter, not harder" but was almost always (eventually) successful in his endeavors. For the past 14 years, Jack's primary passion has been spending time with his two granddaughters - who brought him great joy and were the light of his life.

Jack’s family includes his wife Kris; two sons, Andy (Christine) and Matt; two granddaughters, Mikenna and Madison; sister, Verlynn Rye; brother, Steve (Roberta) Lehto. His extended family includes: brothers-in-law, Keith (Jane) Olson, Kevin (Mary) Olson; sister-in-law, Kathy Olson, along with 17 nieces and nephews, 21 great-nieces and nephews, and 9 great-great nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Milton M. and Ellen, and his brother Milt.

Jack battled Interstitial Lung Disease for the final two years of his life. We are grateful that he is no longer struggling to breathe and has a perfect, glorified body in heaven.

A service will be held for Jack on June 6, 2026 starting at noon at Thurston DeShaw Funeral Homes, located at 13817 Jay St NW, Andover, MN 55304.

We believe that Jack would like to be remembered as a man who loved everyone, was always willing to help anybody, and as the simple man that he was (in an extraordinary way).