Robert "Rob" Lehman

Robert F. "Rob" Lehman, 83, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, former president and chairman of the Fetzer Institute, died on November 2, 2026.

Born on November 20, 1942, in Nappanee, Indiana, to Charles R. and Dorothy Hollar Lehman, Rob grew up in the small northern Indiana town. In the early 1960s, he studied at the Free University of Berlin in a city divided between East and West during the Cold War. This formative experience profoundly shaped his understanding of the world and remained an important influence throughout his life.

Rob held degrees in both law and theology, fields that informed his lifelong interest in the relationship between spiritual inquiry, human understanding, and social responsibility. He served as associate dean and professor at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law before becoming vice president and general counsel of the Kettering Foundation.

At Kettering, his work included involvement with the Dartmouth Conference, a longstanding initiative devoted to fostering dialogue between American and Soviet citizens during the Cold War. His participation reflected his interest in international understanding, the peaceful resolution of conflict, and the importance of dialogue across political and cultural divides.

In 1989, Rob moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to become president of the Fetzer Institute, making the city his home for the remainder of his life. Under his leadership, the Institute became an internationally recognized philanthropic institution, advancing the understanding of the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. At a time when such inquiry often stood outside the mainstream, Rob championed pioneering research and initiatives in mind-body health, contemplative practice, social and emotional learning, and the science of love and forgiveness.

Rob helped shape the Institute's mission of integrating the inner life of mind and spirit with the outer life of service and action. During his presidency, he oversaw the development of Seasons, the Institute's retreat and conference center. Together with Molly, his wife and partner in a lifetime of intellectual and spiritual exploration, he helped establish GilChrist, a contemplative retreat center in Three Rivers, Michigan.

Following his presidency, Rob served for many years as chairman of the Fetzer Institute's board of trustees, continuing to guide the Institute's mission and development. He was later named president emeritus.

Rob possessed an uncommon combination of intellectual curiosity, playful humor, and generosity of spirit. He delighted in ideas, in people, and in the unexpected possibilities of life. His abiding trust in the goodness of life

was matched by a deep appreciation for its mystery. For all his professional accomplishments, he considered his greatest blessings to be his family and the friendships he cultivated throughout his life.

Rob is survived by his wife, Molly Vass Lehman; his son, John Lehman Jodi); his daughter, Katie Lehman (Marlon Pierce); his grandchildren, Madeline Sullivan (Chase) and Finn Lehman Pierce; his brothers, Phil Lehman (Pat) and Tod Lehman (Barb); his sister, Linda Lehman; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles R. Lehman and Dorothy Hollar Lehman, and his older brother, Richard "Dickie" Lehman.

A memorial service will be held on November 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. A reception will follow at the Park Club, 219 W. South Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Rob’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with his family.

The Lehman family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.