Obituary of Harold Francis Lehrke

Harold Francis Lehrke, of Sterling, Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at the age of 88. Prior to living in Sterling, Harold lived for 45 years in the Collingwood on the Potomac subdivision of Alexandria with his wife Evelyn, where they raised their two sons David and Steven. Harold was born in Rochelle, Illinois, on May 29, 1928. He was the only child of the late Ida Rogers and Harold Hugo Lehrke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Evelyn Jeanette Lehrke. They were married on September 18, 1954 at the Rochelle Methodist Church. After school, Harold served 1 year in the Navy and 3 years in the Army. During his active duty, he was in combat during the Korean War. While serving, he was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and a Combat Infantry Badge. Harold was one of the brave soldiers that fought in the famous battle of Pork Chop Hill. In 1970, Harold and the family moved from Illinois to Alexandria, Virginia and he then began a 23 year career with the Government Printing Office in Washington, DC. Harold’s favorite pastime was boating on the Potomac River. He would spend his days fishing while enjoying the peace and beauty of the river along with the comradery of meeting up with friends that he met on the water. Harold is survived by his two sons, David Lehrke, of Alexandria, VA; and Steven Lehrke, of Herndon, VA, daughter in-law Susan Lehrke, and two grandchildren Ryan and Shannon Lehrke. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at the Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA. A funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.