Clayton (Clay) M. Lechner

A time of sharing will be had at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud, MN for Clayton (Clay) Marvin Lechner age 72 of St. Cloud. He died suddenly on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Orange City, IA with his wife at his side. Visitation will be from 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud.

Clay was born on March 7, 1951 in St. Cloud, MN the son of Paul and Dolores (Grams) Lechner. He attended St. Peter’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Tech High School in 1969. He then entered the United State Air Force on June 25, 1971. He attained the rank of Sergeant and served as a Radar operator for the Strategic Air Command at various bases in the United States. He was honorably discharged on May 14, 1974.

He was united in marriage to Sandra Stavrum on July 27, 1973 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Three children were born to this union. He worked as parts counter salesman and retired from Wheelco Truck Parts in 2017. He and Sandi have lived in St. Cloud their entire lives.

Clay loved to meet with his family doing many activities including: gatherings with his brothers and sisters and in-laws, fishing with his wife and kids, attending his kid’s activities, being outdoors with the kids and grandkids, telling tall tails and stories, dancing with Sandi, visiting the casino, and traveling in general to see new
things. More recently he really focused on his grandchildren and building a relationship with them. He just loved to meet new people and made friends wherever he went.

He was a member of Eagles Aerie #622 of St. Cloud, MN.

Clay is survived by; his wife of 49 years, Sandi of St. Cloud, MN; one daughter Lisa Lechner of Sauk Rapids, MN; one son Jason (Alisha) Lechner of Orange City, IA; 6 Grandchildren, Amelia, Sawyer, Bethany, Evangeline, Naomi, and Caleb; two brothers, Mike (Donna) Lechner and Peter (Deb) Lechner both of St. Cloud, MN; one sister Jean Chaika of Baldwin, WI; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by; one son Benjamin; three brothers, Tom, Bob and Jim, and one sister Joy Hanisch.