Louis Lechtner

Louis "Lou" Lechtner, age 83, passed away at his Fort Lauderdale, FL home surrounded by his family on April 7, 2013.

Lou was born in Erie, PA on July 13, 1929 son of the late Fannie (Landsberg) and Jacob Lechtner.

A lifelong resident of Erie, he graduated from Gannon College and served as a 1st Lt. in the U. S. Air Force. Lou owned and operated Liberty Iron and Metal Company for 60 years.

Lou was a longtime member of the Kahkwa Club and the Fort Lauderdale Country Club, where he perfected his golf swing in the company of many good friends.

He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity to family, friends and many organizations.

In addition to his parents Louis was preceded in death by his brother Harry Lechtner and his sister Lucille Weil.

Lou is survived by his wife of 60 years, the love of his life, Shirley (Cohen) Lechtner and his children Lynne (Daniel) Stewart and Betsy (John) Doyle of Fort Lauderdale; Jacob (Carol) Lechtner of Orlando; and Frani Lechtner of Erie. He is further survived by his nine grandchildren: Lindsay (Jonathan) Morris; Carly and Maxwell Stewart; Harrison and Charlotte Doyle; Sam and Elizabeth Lechtner; and Matthew and Andrew Lechtner.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 West 26th Street (at Powell Ave.). A graveside service will be held on Thursday at 12:00 pm at the CBS Cemetery, 26th and Asbury Road with Rabbi Leonard Lifshen officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 1128 State Street Erie, PA 16501 or at alz.org.