John M. Lesher

1925 - 2016

John M. Lesher
Resident of Pinole, CA
John passed away gracefully on March 9, 2016 surrounded by his family at Greenridge Senior Care in El Sobrante. He was born November 16, 1925 in Mora, MN.
In 1945, he was drafted into the Army Air Corp and eventually stationed at Hamilton Air Force base, where he met the love of his life, a cute little brunette named Lillian. After he was discharged, John and Lillian were married on July 4, 1948 and set up residence in Sausalito. Over the years they had 2 children and lived in Richmond, El Sobrante and Pinole.
As the kids grew up and left home, John was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of moving to the country as he and Lillian purchased eight acres in Martinez. He had many horses including his favorite Tennessee Walkers and Black and Whites.
As a contractor and part owner of Valley Contractors, John helped build Hope Lutheran PreSchool and Hope Lutheran Church.
In 1996, after retiring, John and Lillian moved back to Pinole. He loved his cat Dewey and bird watching.
He is survived by his wife Lillian, his daughter Ellen (Dennis), his son John (Lisa), grandchildren Jonathon, Jessica (Sean), Stephanie and one great grandchild Cody. He is also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother Harlo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to any of the following; Hope Lutheran Church, Greenridge Assisted Living, or Hospice.
Funeral is Sat., Mar. 19, at Hope Lutheran Church, with luncheon following. On Mon., Mar. 21, there will be a brief ceremony at the Veterans Cemetery in Dixon, at 1:30 PM.


View the online memorial for John M. Lesher