The Waupaca community is mourning the loss of Sam Andrew Lehman, a 46-year-old resident whose life was tragically cut short in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Known for his love of fishing, gardening, and sharing his homemade wines and cheesecakes with friends and family, Lehman was a beloved figure whose sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him. His vibrant personality and passion for life’s simple pleasures made him a cherished son, brother, and friend, and his death has sent ripples of grief through this close-knit Wisconsin town.

The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Lehman was riding his motorcycle northbound on County Highway E near Casey Road when the accident occurred at approximately 1:48 p.m. According to authorities, Lehman lost control of his motorcycle, veered into a ditch, and collided with several trees. Witnesses at the scene immediately began life-saving measures, their efforts a testament to the community’s instinct to rally in times of crisis. Deputies and first responders, including the Waupaca Fire Department, Gold Cross Ambulance, and the Wisconsin State Patrol, arrived promptly and continued these efforts, but despite their best attempts, Lehman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Waupaca County Medical Examiner’s Office is assisting in the ongoing investigation, which seeks to determine the precise circumstances that led to the crash. Authorities have not yet released additional details, leaving many questions unanswered as the community grapples with this loss.

Sam Lehman was born on June 25, 1978, in Medford, Wisconsin, to parents Eli Lehman and Barbara Kaatz. Raised in the area, he attended Little Wolf High School in Manawa, where he formed lifelong connections with friends who would later remember him for his warmth and generosity. Lehman’s passions were as diverse as they were heartfelt. He found joy in tending his garden, preserving the fruits of his labor through canning, and crafting specialty wines that he shared with those around him. His culinary talents extended to creating decadent cheesecakes and perfectly smoked salmon, delights that became a hallmark of gatherings with loved ones. Above all, fishing was his sanctuary, a hobby that allowed him to connect with nature and find peace along the waters of Waupaca County. His loyal companion, a dog named Drew, was often by his side, a furry confidant in his daily adventures.

Lehman is survived by his parents, Eli (Terry) Lehman and Barbara (Jeff) Kaatz, as well as his siblings: sisters RosAnna Lehman, Felicia Kaatz, and Sheila Vanswol, and brothers LeRoy Lehman, Bradley Kaatz, and Ralph Mack. His grandmother, Arlene Caldwell, along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, also mourn his loss. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eli and Lovina Mast, Allan and RaeJean Kaatz, and Sam and Polly Lehman, as well as an aunt and several uncles. The outpouring of grief from those who knew him underscores the impact he had on his community, where he was known not only for his hobbies but for his ability to bring people together.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly for motorcyclists navigating the rural highways that crisscross the region. The stretch of County Highway E where the accident occurred is a familiar route for locals, but its curves and proximity to wooded areas can pose challenges. While the cause of Lehman’s loss of control remains under scrutiny, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks faced by motorcyclists and the need for vigilance on the road.

The community has begun to come together to honor Lehman’s memory. Plans for a memorial service are underway, with details expected to be shared soon. Friends and neighbors have taken to social media to share stories of Lehman’s kindness, recounting moments spent fishing by the river or savoring his latest culinary creation. For now, Waupaca holds close the memory of a man whose life, though brief, was filled with passion and connection. His legacy endures in the love he shared and the community he helped shape.