Dr. Eberhard Lehnardt's Obituary
Dr. Eberhard Lehnardt: A Life Lived Boldly
April 29, 1936-December 15, 2025
Dr. Eberhard Viktor Lehnardt was born in Berlin, Germany on April 29, 1936, to Mathilde Petersohn and Kurt Lehnardt. From the beginning, his name seemed to prophesy his life: Eberhard “heart of a wild boar,” Viktor “victorious,” and Lehnardt “lion-hearted.”
When Eberhard was just sixteen years old, his father knew it was time to leave East Berlin for the survival of the entire family. With only a few belongings, tremendous courage, and his little brother by his side, Eberhard was dispatched as a courageous warrior to America to establish a base camp for the rest of his family to follow. His father fiercely believed what America represents: freedom, opportunity, and abundance, and Eberhard embraced these unknown opportunities in front of him. He worked with energy and determination and successfully brought his mother, father, and siblings safely to America. The qualities demanded of him at such a young age are the ones he continued to refine and live by for the rest of his life.
In 1955, he served his adopted country with honor as a medic in the United States Air Force. In this setting, he continued to meet adversity without complaint and persisted when conditions seemed impossible. During this time, he also attended Gonzaga Military School, where he was first in his class. Guided by unwavering faith, he returned to Germany in 1959 to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He received his PhD in German Literature from Rice University in January 1979. As a beloved university professor at Utah Valley University, he inspired generations of students with his rare brilliance, deep understanding of the human spirit, and unmistakable wit. He constantly challenged the status quo, provoked thought, questioned assumptions, and expected excellence in colleagues and students alike. Long after his retirement, students regularly returned to share how profoundly he had changed and inspired their lives.
Though Parkinson’s disease sought to slow him down later in life, it could not diminish his unconquerable spirit. He continued to travel, garden, adventure, go on sunset walks, and embrace the world with vigor. Even from a wheelchair, he completed his dream of being admitted to the University of Utah Medical School at the age of 85. He was honored with a standing ovation at his white coat ceremony, a public honor that highlighted a life lived boldly, brilliantly, and without compromise. His story won an Emmy shortly after. In every bold adventure, he lived by the words of his favorite author, Goethe “He only earns his freedom and existence who daily conquers them anew.”
Throughout his amazing life, family was the center of it all. He was a deeply devoted father to eight children and a proud grandfather to many. His home was always full of love and a shared hunger for knowledge. As a true Renaissance man, he was a lover of life, an adventurer, a uniquely brilliant thinker, an innovator, a teacher, and an enthusiastic connoisseur of Nutella and jam, which he freely shared. His children and grandchildren will carry his legacy forward, always guided by the courage, curiosity, and joy that defined his life.
He leaves us with deep grief, but also with triumph and a celebration of life itself. He elevated everyone who knew him, and he will always continue to inspire us. In celebrating him, we celebrate what it means to be fully human and the triumph of the human spirit itself. As Lao Tzu says, “A man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.” Everyone will die, but only a few will truly live. Eberhard truly lived. We joked that Eberhard was ready to meet his Maker. Whether the Maker is ready to meet him is another matter.
We were given the extraordinary gift of an amazing father, friend, and colleague. Having had him was our honor; giving him back is our grief. We will miss him profoundly, and we look forward to seeing him again.
Dr. Lehnardt is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his children and grandchildren, three brothers, and one sister.
A memorial service celebrating Eberhard’s remarkable life will be held on December 20, 2025. Friends, family, and all whose lives were touched by him are invited to attend and share memories, honor his legacy, and celebrate a life lived fully and brilliantly.
Memorial:
Viewing 10am | Service 11am
Location: The Church of Jesus Christ at Latter Day Saints, Springcreek 2nd Ward Building
350 North 400 East Springville, Utah, 84663.
Graveside Burial: 1pm
Redwood Memorial, 6500 South Redwood Road
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