Brian D. Lehinger

Age 51, of Roseville, formerly of Grand Rapids.  

Passed away peacefully August 5, 2021 surrounded by his loving family and devoted friends.  

Preceded in death by father, Roger.  

Survived by wife, Kathryn; daughters, Ursula and Isolde; mother, Brenda (Fred) Dowling; siblings, Kelly (Scott), Heather (Aaron), Amanda (Jeff), Debbie, Patty (Geb), Tommy (Meghan), Danny (Ariel), Brian, Alan, Mary (Shane), Dale; many nieces, nephews, other family and dear friends. 

Brian Dale Lehinger was born in Bigfork, Minnesota, in 1970 to Brenda and Roger Lehinger. It was the winter after the summer of love and Bri entered the world on a mild evening. He was a respectful, considerate and fun-loving child. Kelly, and then Heather, his sisters, soon joined the family, and they moved south to Grand Rapids in early 1975. In 1979, Brian’s third sister, Amanda, was born, completing the family. Brian attended Murphy Elementary School and then graduated with honors from Grand Rapids Senior High School in 1988. He went on to get his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Chicago, and more recently attended the University of Minnesota School of Law where he graduated, again with honors, and his Juris Doctorate. Almost born into his hockey skates, Brian was the co-captain of the Junior Gold Hockey team in high school and continued to play all of his life. He loved the game. Despite the fact that he was a gracious opponent and a steadfast defensive player, he loved a good check. On his deathbed he was comforting his own mother and said, “I can handle it. I’m a hockey player.” He got into plenty of mischief in his young adulthood, but always managed to charm his way out of serious repercussions. Brian travelled to China with some of his senior class and built homes alongside his father in Japan as a young man. A few years later, he went to Turkey to visit a dear friend. Brian had a passion for travelling and had hoped to explore more of the world. Then in 2005 he met Katie, the girl next door, and fell madly in love. Soon after, Ursula May came into the world, and brought a new light and joy to the newlyweds’ life. A few years later, Isolde Elizabeth was born, and their little family was made perfect. Brian sought out the good in everyone and everything. Brian stood out at most things, but more than anything, he was a true friend. He was always present for the people around him, making them feel singularly special. He was the epitome of authenticity — which everyone who ever met him can attest to. He was magnetic. Brian had a childlike playfulness, a reverence for nature and a profound sense of gratitude. Brian was the kind of guy that everyone said was golden; lucky and smiled-upon… and he acknowledged it. He approached the world with a wide open heart and actively looked for opportunities and open doors where other people saw barriers. His ability to connect deeply with others was his true gift, and this itself paved a golden path for Brian. Brian was a judicious worker. He had very high expectations for himself and relished competition in all forms. A man of letters, he was a perfectionist…a stickler for grammar and precise expression. His years as an abstractor taught him that he loved the problem-solving and the attention to detail that the law required. While in law school he interned and was later thrilled to earn a spot on the team at Kennedy & Graven, Chartered, in downtown Minneapolis. In his work, Brian turned his meticulous attention to complex problems and thrived on the challenges (read: opportunities) that practising law provided.  He, without fail, found deep, personal satisfaction in making a difference in the lives of others. Some of the things Brian absolutely adored were: Singing and making music with his family and friendsSledding…he LOVED cold weather and the snow. Playing games, relentlessly. Disc golf, Canoeing, Chess, A good manhattan, Reading, Poker, The Boundary Waters, Campsite 4 at Split Rock State Park, Driving WAAAAAAY too fast, Big hugs and shared moments, Making blueberry pancakes for his family on the weekends, Spicy food, The Balvenie - Doublewood 12 Year, Alternate perspectives, Tennis, Video games, Finding the perfect burger, Games…did we mention games? Taking his girls out on his motorcycle, Reading Lord of the Rings, Sharing his favorite movies, Going out to eat and family date nights  Thanks to: The family for your steadfast support, The friends, both far and near, who have loved Bri so deeply over the years, All of Brian’s colleagues for their support and ongoing understanding, Wakey Wake attendees and especially the devoted motley crew of his final days. If Brian had a wish for everyone, it’s that they savour each day, every child, every flavor, every loved one and every moment. While we are heartbroken that this is what has come to pass for our dear Brian, our wish for you is that you go forth with his zeal for all things big and small…because life is so short, he would want you to cherish it. Brian was husband, son, brother, uncle, friend… loved by all. He touched the hearts and lives of all who met him, and will continue to be a shining example of how to move through this world with grace, kindness, respect and humor.

Memorial visitation 4-8 PM Tuesday, August 10 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-ROSEVILLE, 2130 N. Dale St. @ County Road B.