The New Era - All about Sweet Home since 1929

Ernest Leo Lehto, 87, of Sweet Home, died Dec. 20, 2021.

He was born May 14, 1934 in Newberry, Mich., to Jack William and Limie Olive (Madison) Lehto.

He lived in Newberry until 1961, when he moved to Brownsville. In 1999 he moved back to Newberry, staying until 2015, when he returned and settled in Sweet Home.

Mr. Lehto was a long-haul trucker most of his working years. He attended the Lutheran church and Brownsville Christian Church.

He spent many hours working on his trucks. He also enjoyed gardening.

Mr. Lehto is survived by his children, Ernest Leo Lehto Jr. of Brownsville, Rick Allen Lehto of Sweet Home, Steven Daniel Lehto of Albany, and Cheryl Lynn Gilbert of Sweet Home; sister Gloria Ann Dugerof Newberry, Mich.; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Lucy Lehto; son Kenneth Michael Lehto; siblings Donald, Raymond, John, Harry, Shirley, Nora, Melvie and Mike; and grandchildren Mark Gilbert and Levi Lehto.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.