John Frederick Lemler, DMD, 84, of Fairview, North Carolina, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017.
A native of Foley, Alabama, he was a son of the late Sherman and Anna Wilson Lemler. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Gorman Lemler; and one son, John Frederick Lemler.
Dr. Lemler was a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
He graduated from the Dental School at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and completed his internship and residency at Duke University. He went on to work as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Asheville, practicing alongside Dr. Arthur Riddle and Dr. Stan Holt for over 40 years.
John was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and the Biltmore Forest Country Club. He enjoyed woodcarving, gardening and working outside.
He is survived by two daughters, Alicia Gunst and husband Ryan of Charleston, South Carolina, and Angela Curtis and husband Seth, of Columbus, Ohio; and grandchildren, John Philip and Margaret Ann Gunst, and Nathan Frederick Curtis.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Asheville, with Father Brent Norris officiating.
Interment will follow at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.
A guest register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.
