John Arnold Lehmann

BELOVED ROCKLIN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR PASSES

John A. Lehmann passed quietly in his home in Rocklin, CA on October 28, 2025 from congestive heart failure at the age of 90.

John was born in Palmer, IL on March 5, 1935, and moved with his family to California in 1948. He was the youngest of 4 children whose mother was widowed when John was just 19 days old.

They first settled in the community of Laton, along the Kings River in Fresno County. John graduated from Sierra High School, Class of 1954, in Tollhouse, CA, where he was a regional and district track competitor medaling in 100 and 220 yard sprints and 440 and 880 yard relays, as well as the broad jump.

In 1956, John graduated with an AA from College of the Sequoias, Visalia, CA, then went on to Fresno State College and graduated with a BA in Life Sciences in 1958. By 1959, he was working as a licensed pastuerizer at Challenge Cream and Butter Associates in Fresno while obtaining his teaching credential and elementary school administrator’s credential.

John’s career in education began as teacher/principal at Dunlap Elementary School, Dunlap, CA, in 1959. His Master’s degree in Education would follow in 1967 from Fresno State College. John relocated to Rocklin in 1964 to teach 1 year at Rocklin School before stepping to the helm in 1965 as principal of Rocklin’s new Parker Whitney Elementary School.

Among other significant achievements in his career, John was awarded Placer County Administrator of the Year in 1993. In 1998, John retired after 34 years in the district. Besides being a leader for the school district and for Parker Whitney during many changes as the community grew, John was also dedicated to community service through the Rocklin Lions Club. He was an early member of the Rocklin chapter of the organization which focuses on bringing sight to visually impaired people. A devout Christian, he was active in his church and Bible study and prayed daily. He enjoyed growing fruits, vegetables, and roses to share the harvest.

A graveside Service of Committal will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, 9:30 am, at Auburn District Cemetery, 1040 Collins Dr., Auburn, CA 95603. The Memorial service with reception will be held following the graveside service on November 14, 2025, 12:00 pm, at Community Covenant Church, 5140 Topaz Ave., Rocklin, CA 95677.

John is predeceased by Margie Gordnier Lehmann (m. 1994-2022), Leita Atchley Lehmann (m.1967-1990), Fred Lehmann (oldest brother), Arlene Houston (older sister), and Gary Burns (stepson). John is survived by brother Wes Lehmann (age 93) of Hanford, CA, stepdaughter Ellen Cook-Champagne (Bill) of Reno, NV, stepson Adrian Gordnier (Kristi) of Santa Barbara, CA, and stepson Aaron Gordnier (Olivia) of San Clemente, CA. There are 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren in his extended family and several nieces and nephews in his direct family.