Photo courtesy of Tempe Mortuary - Tempe
Jul 20, 1936 - Aug 7, 2013
We will truly miss Les and have fond memories of our family fun times in Tempe during our college years together.
Helen and Jim Haddock
August 21, 2013 | Kendallville, IN
To me, he was Mr. Mesbergen. He was my 4th grade teacher at Broadmor School in the 60's. His classroom was a delight. I don't remember any bad behavior or discipline problems in the class. Maybe I just don't remember kids acting up because he handled our class in a loving, supportive, encouraging way. Most of all I remember it was fun! Everyday we would all get quiet very quickly as we filed in from lunch recess so he would start reading to us. I think he loved reading the books as much...
Pam (Thornton) Posten
August 16, 2013 | Tempe, AZ
I'm so sorry I can't be at the service to celebrate the life of Les. I don't think my career as a school librarian would have turned out the way it did without Les overlooking a small fact when he interviewed me in 1980. While I had 4 years of experience, I did not have a library certificate. But he sent me over to MV, Jim Ritchie hired me & then he & Les set about to get an emergency certificate while I finished course work at ASU. Perhaps he didn't really overlook it but he certainly...
Cathy Bonnell
August 16, 2013 | Phoenix, AZ
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY OF
"LESTER DALE MESBERGEN".
SINCERELY, ANITA MILLER
ANITA MILLER
August 14, 2013 | SURPRISE, AZ
Hello to all the Family, I am so sorry to hear about Les's death. He and I worked for many years as HR directors in different school districts. What a wonderful man!!! I so enjoyed his humor and his humanity. Many will miss him!
Judy Aldrich
August 14, 2013 | Tempe, AZ
Les hired me at Washington School District in 1983. He quickly became more than my boss...he was my friend. I loved him dearly and am counting on him to put in a good word for me now that he is back with our Creator.
Joanne Hughes
August 14, 2013 | Glendale, AZ
Mr. Mesbergen hired me for my first teaching position in Washington Elementary School District. I was working as a summer camp counselor in Prescott and had recently signed a contract to teach in Casa Grande. At the time it was a long way from Phoenix and there were few apartments; the school was on double sessions. Mr. Mesbergen said he wouldn't tell me what to do, but said he'd keep the position open for a week so I could make a decision. I wrote a letter of resignation to Casa Grande,...
Mary Anne Clark
August 14, 2013 | Phoenix, AZ
Lester Dale Mesbergen, 77 of Tempe, AZ passed away on August 7, 2013 at his home. Les was born in Hudsonville, Michigan July 20, 1936. When his life work was done, God came to take him home. He received a BA and an MA degree in education from ASU. Les worked for the General Electric Computer Division here in the Valley for five years. After obtaining a BA Degree, his seven year teaching career began with the Tempe Elementary School district. He was later employed as an Assistant Director of Career Services at ASU for two years. Les spent nineteen years in the Washington School District in Phoenix, where he worked as an Assistant Director of Personnel Services, Director of Employment, and his final four years as Assistant Superintendent for Personnel Services. Retiring from the Washington School District, he worked one year as a Personnel Consultant with the Maricopa County Accommodation School district. His last five years of part-time employment was with the Glendale Elementary School District, where he functioned as an Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent for Personnel Services. After final retirement, Les spent time volunteering with Care 7, a Tempe Social Services Crises Response Team and doing some personnel consulting. He was appointed to the Tempe Police Citizen's Review Board in 2002. Les was active at Dayspring United Methodist, a church he loved, particularly the music ministry. The Tempe Jaycees presented him with their Outstanding Young Educator award in 1965-66. He was a past president of Arizona school Personnel Administration Association. Les had been a long time member of Tempe Sister City Corporation and a life member of the ASU Alumni Association. Les is survived by his wife Carol of 54 years, daughter Kathleen Mesbergen Shadle MD (Scott), from Houston, TX; son Michael Mesbergen from Boise, ID; son David Mesbergen (Colleen), from Gilbert, AZ; and Tempe Sister City son, Ljupcho Naumchevski from Waldrick, NJ (originally from Macedonia). Les leaves four grandchildren that were the love of his life- Lauren Elizabeth Shadle, Matthew Alexander Shadle, Katie Rose Mesbergen, and Emily Anne Mesbergen. He was preceded in death by his son, Larry Mesbergen who passed away at age 23 in 1987, his parents Bert and Catherine, brother Bernard, and twins, a brother who died shortly after birth and a sister Betty Carol who died at age one. Les was most appreciative of wonderful friends. A large number resulted from his 30 year career in school personnel work. Through the years many would remark on the number of lives he touched. He would say, "I was so blessed with all those lives that touched me." Services will be held on August 17, 2013 at 10:30am at Dayspring United Methodist Church, 1365 E. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284. Arrangements by Tempe Mortuary. Memorial contributions may be made to Dayspring United Methodist Church marked Dayspring Chorale Ministry or Hospice of the Valley , 1510 East Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
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