Minerva Aston Lehmkuhl's Obituary
Minerva was born on August 31, 1926 in Oakland, the fourth of five children born to James and LC Aston. Her family was enroute from Orland, California to Oklahoma when an older brother became ill and died, thus necessitating a prolonged stop in Oakland. During the war, Minerva had a variety of jobs including as a “carhop” in the family business. She graduated from Elk Grove high school in Sacramento in 1944. Through her eldest sister, Lois, Minerva met and married Ed Fortier, the youngest brother of Lois’s husband, Harold. They had three lovely children together: Ed in 1949, Marcia in 1951, and Adelia in 1954.
While living in Sacramento, Minerva had become a regular listener to Dr. Patten’s daily radio broadcast, “The Shepherd Hour.” Having recently survived the shock of a divorce, she felt God was leading her to Oakland for a new start – a full circle. With 3 young children in tow, she relocated and joined Christian Temple Church under the leadership of Dr. Bebe Patten. It was here that she caught the eye of Fred Lehmkuhl, and their first “date” was at a matchmaking banquet held at the church. A wedding soon followed on May 29, 1958.
Minerva enrolled in Patten Bible College and graduated with the Shepherd class of 1962. This same year she accompanied Dr. Patten on the first church pilgrimage to Israel. Minerva has served the ministry faithfully for over 60 years through her many gifts and talents: as a charter member of the Sister’s of Service; cooking and serving for a variety of church functions; driving for World’s Finest Chocolate fundraisers; selling and driving for the Trumpet Call ministry; and sharing her musical gifts as church soloist and talented seamstress. She taught physical education at the high school for many years and was famous for her calisthenics, which she taught by example. She also opened the first campus cafeteria, serving the schools and the college dorms. Many people who have lived in her home over the years will remember her gift of hospitality. She always had her welcome mat out. In 1990, Minerva became a deacon, and in 1997, she was ordained and entered full-time ministry with Christian Cathedral church, where she was active until a few months before she died.
Minerva lived a long, full life and was able to see her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Nell Johnson, and her three children and their spouses: Ed and Esther Fortier, Marcia and John Galovich, and Adelia and Roy Cott. Minerva has seven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, who lovingly call her Aunt Nernie. Countless people have been touched by her love and service to others over these many years. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her .
Please make donations to the Alameda County Community Food Bank at www.accfb.org or 7900 Edgewater Drive, P.O. Box 2599, Oakland, CA 94621 phone #510-635-3663
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