Fred Lehrke Wausau WI and fred lehrke obituary WI
Wisconsin Wrestling Icon Fred Lehrke, Revered High School Coach, Dies at 82
The Wisconsin prep wrestling community lost an absolute titan and architect of dynasties this week with the death of Fred Lehrke, who passed away on Sunday, December 3rd at age 82. Over his legendary 30+ year career, Coach Lehrke led three different Wisconsin high school programs to conference titles and state championship glory, cementing his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in state history. His impact resonates through the generations of wrestlers he mentored.
A Dominant Force Across Stops in Wisconsin
A University of Wisconsin-La Crosse alum, Lehrke immediately found success when he began coaching Wisconsin high school wrestling in 1963. He led Oregon High School to a conference title and 24-9 record within three years, foreshadowing even bigger accolades to come. After two seasons and another conference championship at Kettle Moraine High, Lehrke took the reins at Monroe High School in 1970. He guided them to a No. 2 state ranking and 27-8 record in 1972, claiming yet another conference title.
DC Everest’s Architect of Excellence However, Fred Lehrke’s career peaked during his legendary tenure transforming DC Everest High School into a prep wrestling powerhouse. Taking over the program in 1975, Lehrke made history just three years later when DC Everest captured its first-ever state wrestling championship in 1978. This marked the first time a coach had led two different Wisconsin high schools to state titles - immediately cementing Lehrke’s status as a prep wrestling icon.
DC Everest continued its run under Coach Lehrke’s masterful leadership, winning additional state crowns in 1982 and 1986. Over 12 illustrious seasons, he positioned the program among Wisconsin’s elite with a 108-30 record. For his efforts, Lehrke earned 1978 and 1986 State Coach of the Year honors.
Coach Fred Lehrke has passed away
Almost a year ago, we honored the Lehrke family by naming our wrestling loft - The Lehrke Wrestling Room. Sadly the patriarch of the Lehrke family, Coach Fred Lehrke has passed away. Grateful that Coach was in the gym last January to witness the unveiling. His mark on the wrestling program at D.C. Everest will forever be felt as each wrestler climbs the stairs on their way to practice. RIP Coach, thanks for all your years working with the athletes at D.C. Everest.
red Lehrke Died: Fred Lehrke, the esteemed former wrestling coach of D.C. Everest High School, has left behind a legacy that will forever inspire the wrestling community. With his unwavering dedication and passion, Lehrke led his team to three state titles and was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. His coaching philosophy, known
A Lasting Legacy That Still Inspires
Beyond the mat, Coach Lehrke dedicated himself to advancing wrestling across Wisconsin and the nation. He served as Vice President and President/Chairman of the Wisconsin Wrestling Federation for over a decade, using his expertise to spur growth. Nationally, Lehrke held appointments with USA Wrestling for 20+ years, including sitting on the Board of Directors.
While the Wisconsin wrestling community grieves the tragic loss of Fred Lehrke, his legacy burns bright in the indelible impact he left on thousands of young wrestlers over his career through his leadership, character, tenacity and trailblazing success. The powerhouse DC Everest program he architected will forever honor his spirit and greatness.
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