MOUNT VERNON, Iowa (KCRG) – A 101-year-old Mount Vernon man who gained a following on social media by telling jokes during the pandemic died over Memorial Day weekend, his daughter confirmed. Fred Lehman posted jokes to Facebook every day for several years to spread joy. It started as a way to make people smile when they were isolated in their homes because of the pandemic.

Lehman was known for his sense of humor. He was considered a community icon in Mount Vernon. When he turned 100-years-old, a special birthday celebration was held, in which Mayor Thomas Wieseler declared January 26, Fred Lehman Day, in 2023.

Lehman served as a marine in 1945 and was a member of the Mount Vernon American Legion for 75 years, and the Lion’s Club for 70 years.