J.E. Lehnherr: From Farm Boy to Founder of Thrift City
Junior Ernest (J.E.) Lehnherr (1921–2001): Entrepreneur, Veteran, and Visionary Merchant
Ernest Junior Lehnherr was born in, 1921, to Ernest and Emma Bangerter Lehnherr in the family home in Taylorsville, Utah. He spent his youth working on the family farm, attending local schools, and graduated from Granite High School in 1939.
After graduation, he began his career at Maxfield Feed and Coal Company, working as a stock boy in the grocery department and advancing to department manager. His early work ethic and leadership there foreshadowed his later success in business.
In 1941, he married Marion June Hamilton, and during World War II he was drafted into the U.S. Army Field Artillery, serving nearly five years. He was honorably discharged in 1946 as a Captain, a title reflecting his sense of discipline and responsibility that carried into his civilian life.
That same year, Lehnherr entered the grocery business, partnering with Stan L. Hale to operate Boys Market Grocery Store. A decade later, in 1956, the business expanded and was renamed Valley Shopping Centers, growing into a successful local chain with multiple locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
With determination and vision, Lehnherr brought together business leaders and investors to form Thrift City of Utah, Inc. — one of the state’s first super discount department stores offering quality name-brand merchandise at reduced prices. As founder and president, he emphasized both value and community convenience, describing the company’s mission as “a continual upgrading of merchandise, offering better quality at greater discounts.”
The grand opening of Thrift City was held on November 15, 1962, marking a milestone in Utah’s retail development. In appreciation of Lehnherr’s foresight and leadership, the store celebrated “Founders Day” with a citywide sale on December 26, 1962.
Beyond his retail ventures, Lehnherr owned and operated a mobile home manufacturing plant (1960–1969) and later founded a mobile office manufacturing and leasing company (1972–1981) before retiring.
In civic life, he served as Commander of the Argonne Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, President of the Utah Mechanical Contractors, Past President of the Salt Lake County Fish and Game Association, and Director of the Utah Wildlife Federation.
J.E. and Marion Lehnherr were the parents of two daughters — Vicki Lynn (1947–1962) and Joni Gay (born 1957).
Junior Ernest Lehnherr passed away in 2001. He is remembered as a pioneer of Utah’s retail growth, a dedicated veteran, and a visionary leader whose work helped modernize shopping and business development throughout the Salt Lake Valley.
3500 south 4091 west Thrift City Discount Store
J.E. Lehnherr
