Larry-Lessman-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Hermann Funeral Home - Stockton

Larry Lee Lessman

Jan 23, 1941 - Sep 7, 2025

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We the daughters of Bill Janssen, who was one of Larry's cousins are so sorry to hear of his passing and send our condolences. Our dad had fond memories of growing up in Shannon with Larry until they moved to Freeport in Jr High. However, they continued to meet up even when in Florida for many years when our parents wintered there. He is now joined by our parents and many relatives up in heaven. May his memory comfort you in the days ahead!

I can't remember a time when Larry and his family were not a part of our sports' community in Shannon. Growing up, Dad played ball with Larry for decades --Larry used to whip his arm around SO fast as pitcher, it looked like a blur! Dear Sharon worked for Dad at the Post Office for many years and was a cherished friend. Brothers grew up with brothers and I kept score for more Shannon baseball games than I can count with either a Henze or Lessman (or both) in the line-up . I reconnected...

My prayers go out to all of you. So many wonderful memories. Babysitting for you kids, watching your dad umpire girls games, and catching me doing doughnuts on his freshly grated road. Always a smile, a laugh, and loved his family.

Obituary

Larry's Obituary

Larry Lee Lessman age 84, of Shannon, IL, passed away on September 7, 2025.

Larry was born on January 23, 1941 in Freeport, IL to Kenneth and Dorothy (Grimes) Lessman. He graduated from Shannon High School and started working. During his life, he owned Lessman Grain, was elected Road Commissioner for Cherry Grove Township and spent several years hauling grain for Larry Cornelius Trucking.

He married Sharon (Schoonhoven) Lessman on Valentine’s Day in 1959 and together they raised three sons; Lonnie, Chad and Troy and one daughter, Heather.

Larry was an exceptional basketball player in high school, and he shared his passion for sports, both local and professional, with his children and grandchildren.  He was also passionate about helping others. Larry served as a volunteer firefighter for over 30 years and was the Village of Shannon’s fire chief for 3 years. 

He always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and they adored him in return.  Larry was well-loved by a lot of people. He maintained tight knit groups of friends both at home in Shannon, Illinois and in Hudson, Florida where he spent his winters. He could always be counted on to laugh at a joke and put a smile on the faces of those lucky enough to know him. He was the kind of person who made your day better just by sitting down in his recliner and chatting with you.

Close friends and family knew he had a special place in his heart for his birds in Florida, and his kindness extended to them too.  He enjoyed feeding them hot dogs and introducing them to his family and friends. These wild birds trusted him enough to follow him inside his home and wait patiently for treats when they were hungry, and he never disappointed them.

Larry is survived by his three sons; Lonnie (Cheryl) Lessman of Freeport, Chad (Barb) Lessman of Shannon and Troy (Donna) Lessman of Lake Carroll. His longtime special friend Sharon Kurth.  His sister-in-law Dora Lessman.  His grandchildren; Kirsten (Jared) Boyer, Kari (Ishan) Desai, Kassidy (Glen) Mulvaney, Shay (Molly) Lessman, Kaden Lessman, Katrya (Dereck) Donath, Lane Lessman, Reid (Devin) Lessman, Logan Lessman and Gentry Lessman.  His great grandchildren; Sloane, Blakely, Callan, Kiann, Keya, Jack, Evelyn, Agnes, Graceyn, Emberlee, Elayna and Savannah and many nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his spouse Sharon, daughter Heather, parents Kenneth and Dorothy, brother Gerald Lessman, sister Connie Giedd and brother-in-law Verlyn Giedd, and his grandson Devan Lessman.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 10 am at Zion Community Church, 10100 Sabin Church Road, Pearl City, Illinois.  A short service will be held at 11 am with a luncheon following.  A memorial fund has been established. 

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