Grateful in Greenville
Ken Lehman is a builder. He built a good life for his family. He built a successful career. And, he also has a reputation as a builder through a special hobby — and it doesn’t take long for Ken to open up about it.
“Truth be told, it’s getting a little out of hand,” he shares with a chuckle. “I’ve been making twig furniture for many years now — things like chairs, tables, children’s desks, and benches. I don’t sell any of it. I donate it all for various fundraisers. Last year I made 218 pieces of furniture with the help of a few other gentlemen. Right now, I’m at about 170 pieces and they’re spilling out of my garage and into the house.”
Given his former career in the lumber business, perhaps it isn’t a surprise that Ken has a knack for woodworking. But his craftsmanship is just one of the many ways Ken cultivates his gifts for the community of Saint Charles of Borromeo parish in Greenville, Michigan.
Ken and his wife Gail are longtime parishioners at Saint Charles and strong supporters of the parish school. Principal Margaret Karpus remembers when she first came to Saint Charles as a second grade teacher in 1987. “I was new to the area, but I quickly learned that everyone knew the Lehmans. Gail, a retired teacher, often helped out as a substitute. Ken was our unofficial development officer — always coming up with great fundraising ideas. And they continue to volunteer and serve today with just as much enthusiasm.”
The Lehmans have offered financial support to the school in many ways over the years. “In the past we’ve sold property and then written a check to the school,” Ken says. “We trust Margaret to steward the funds, as she knows where the money is most needed.”
Recently, the Lehmans began to think about how they could help over a longer period of time. Ken recalls that his daughter Mary told them how she and her husband had established an endowment fund through the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan. “We decided to learn how we could do something similar,” he says.
Ken was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to work with the Foundation. “Trying to do a good thing shouldn’t be complicated. Thankfully, the process was professional, smooth, and quick from start to finish. We learned what types of funds were available. We also learned how the Foundation would handle our gift if for any reason the school should close. Then we gifted the Foundation some stock shares to open our fund. We’re grateful to know that our endowment will support the school for years to come.”
Margaret is equally grateful. “Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic School is a real gem in Greenville,” she says. “We have a strong Catholic identity and are committed to forming our students with rigorous academics and moral character. The Lehmans are truly vested in our success and they absolutely love the kids. I am so grateful for them. With their help, we can ensure our school remains a blessing to this community for a long time.”
Now, Ken has added another characteristic that demonstrates his reputation as a builder. He and Gail have built a legacy through
their endowment fund, creating a sense of gratitude within the St. Charles school community that will last for years to come.