Brett Wayne Joseph Lehto

Brett Wayne Joseph Lehto, 38, of Mountain Home, Idaho, passed away peacefully on August 31st, 2025 after a courageous battle with ALS, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on April 6, 1987, in Boise, ID and later grew up in Glenns Ferry, ID where he spent much of his life before meeting his wife, Jen, and returning to Mountain Home.

Brett’s life was full of grit, passion, and love. Following in his father’s footsteps, he wrestled and played football through his school years. At an early age, he discovered what would become one of his greatest passions—hound hunting. From the time he was a small boy tagging along with his dad, uncles and occasionally his sister Megan on all-night hunts, Brett found his joy in the desert, the woods, his dogs, and the chase. That passion never left him, and he was proud to pass it down to his son, Matthias, making sure the tradition continued even when he could no longer join the hunts himself.

Above all else, Brett was a devoted father. His children—Autumn, Kloe, Matthias, and Abby—were his heart and his pride. Nothing brought him greater joy than being their dad.

At just 33, Brett was diagnosed with ALS, a devastating disease that slowly took from him the ability to walk, move, talk and live the way he once had. But Brett faced it with incredible courage, strength, and even humor, reminding everyone around him to live fully and love deeply. Despite everything, he never lost his wit, his love of history, or his uncanny ability to pull a random fact out of thin air. (And if Brett had one last note for the world, it would be this: “Epstein didn’t kill himself.”)

Brett is survived by his wife, Jen; his children, Autumn, Kloe, Matthias, and Abby; his father Wayne and stepmother Debbie; his mother Angela Katzer; his sisters Megan (Drew and Dottie) and Stephanie (Jason and Liam); his grandparents John and Sonya Roache, Judy Bohnhof and Lyman Lehto; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Francis Jane Lehto.

Among those friends, Brett shared an especially close bond with his loyal best friend, Hamish McDonald, who traveled from British Columbia whenever he could to spend time with Brett. One of Brett’s most cherished memories was the hunting trip Hamish arranged to Texas for his birthday—the last hunt Brett was able to take before becoming bedridden. Their friendship was a true gift and a source of joy throughout Brett’s life.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Brett’s aunt Joline, who came faithfully to help however she could; to his wife Jen, who cared for him lovingly through the years; to his parents Wayne and Debbie, who welcomed him into their home and cared for him in his final months; his big sister Megan who played his sounding board and the one he could talk into Door Dashing him whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted; and to the incredible hospice team, whose support brought comfort and peace.

Brett’s life will be honored at The VFW Hall in Glenns Ferry, ID on September 13th at 11:00 am with a reception and lunch to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to help with cremation expenses may be made to Rost Funeral Home. Flowers may be sent to Megan Lehto to be taken to the service.

Rost Funeral Home                                                                       Megan Lehto

℅ Brett Lehto                                                                                 2130 E 3950 N

500 N 18th E                                                                                   Filer, ID 83328 

Mountain Home, ID 83328

Brett’s story is one of strength, loyalty, humor, and love. He will be missed beyond words but remembered forever in the lives of those he touched.  And if you listen closely, you might just hear him now—hunting with his hounds in heaven, free at last.