Anne Clarissa Lezer

1932 - 2024

Anne Clarissa Lezer, age 92, of Sauk Rapids, passed away peacefully with family by her side Dec. 1, 2024, at home. Services were Dec. 9 at New Life Church in Foley. Arranements have entrusted to Peterson-Johnson Funeral Home-Milaca.

Anne was born in rural Blomkest, at home on the family farm May 31, 1932. She was the second child of five born to Martin and Clara (Westra) Hoekstra. She graduated from Willmar High School in 1950. After high school, she worked at the Willmar State Hospital and Litchfield Produce in the clerical field. On Jan. 29, 1954, she married the love of her life, Edman Lezer, in a ceremony at Litchfield Covenant Church. Together, they had three biological children and were foster parents to 21 children throughout the years. Ed and Anne purchased a farm in Gilmanton township in 1957 where they raised crops, cattle and poultry. Anne was a follower of Jesus, having a personal relationship with him from early childhood. She was involved in many church activities as a Sunday school teacher and a Sunday school superintendent. She was also involved in the Popple Creekers 4-H Club and was a Department of Natural Resources state fire warden for 37 years. Ed and Anne were recognized as Benton County Farmer of the Year in 1990. They retired from farming in 1991 and enjoyed wintering in Florida, Arizona and Texas. Anne came "out of retirement" in 1994 to assist her brother, Ted, in doing full-time clerical work for Ted's RV Land until retiring again in December 2008.

Anne was preceded in death by her husband, her infant son; her parents, Martin and Clara (Westra) Hoekstra; her siblings, Clarence (Betty) Hoekstra and Ted (Delores) Hoekstra; brother-in-law Charles Peterson; and in-laws, Esther (Gale) Kasperk, Donna (Al) Foss and Danny (Rendy) Lezer.

Anne is survived by her children, Doug (Lori) Lezer, Nancy (Dean) Dahlstrom and foster son Tim (Marcia) Jurek; grandchildren Ryan (Nicole) Lezer, Cody (Jenny) Lezer, Amy (Ben) Hageman, Kayla (Carter) Ash, Darin (Abby) Dahlstrom, Megan (Zack) Ziwicki, Kimberly (Felix) Valanzasca, Sherrie (Matt) Beck and Tammy Jurek; great-grandchildren Kyla, Leddy and Roux Lezer; Lydia, Logan and Dylan Lezer; Caden, Rowan and Landon Hageman; Brinley, Levi and Adelyn Ash; Theo and Thatcher Dahlstrom; Asher Ziwicki; Luca, Jax and Ini Valanzasca; Nick and Abby Beck; siblings Martha Peterson and Connie (Mark) Johnson, in-laws Jim (Mary Lou) Lezer and Dennis (Gwen) Lezer; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family expresses a special thanks to CentraCare Health Homecare and Hospice for the outstanding and compassionate care of Anne during her final days.