Jeffrey B. Lesman

1955 - 2026

Jeffrey B. Lesman
Born: August 3, 1955 in Battle Creek, MI
Died: March 9, 2026 in LaSalle, IL
Jeffrey Bernard Lesman, 70 of LaSalle, peacefully passed away at home on March 9, 2026.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 12th from 2pm through 5pm at LaSalle
Knights of Columbus, 209 Gooding Street, LaSalle, IL.
Jeff was born August 3, 1955, in Battle Creek, MI to Bernard and Joan (Sonneville) Lesman. He
married Karen Foltz on July 23, 1977, at First Baptist Church in LaSalle. They were married for
48 years.
Jeff worked as an industrial electrician from 1991 - 2023 serving local businesses including LTV
Steel, Alcoa, Marquis; he retired from MBL.
Jeff enjoyed singing and was a member of The Four Quarters and Life Dynamics. He enjoyed
spending time with family playing games and solving puzzles. He loved to spend his free time
camping, traveling, and hiking and his favorite place to be was underwater. He loved watching
terrible B movies, but his true passion was mowing the lawn. Jeff was an active member behind
the scenes of the local theater community building sets for multiple productions. Some of his
favorite foods included cashews, chocolate pudding, and olives.
Jeff's philosophy in life was "If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough" but if you were
dumb, he was always there to help you get out of whatever mess you made.
He is survived by his wife; Karen Lesman of LaSalle, his sisters; Sandy Welch of Ocala, FL and
Karen (Dale) Salter of Churdan, IA, his children; Nathan (Liz) Lesman, Abbie Lesman, Isaac
(Wendy) Lesman, Jeremiah (Emily) Lesman, and bonus children; Brandy McIntyre Foht and
Raven Salter. Jeff had 10 grandchildren; Sophie, Charlie, Cadie, Ayden, Ariana, Colin,
Annabelle, Cora, Lincoln, and Lucy as well as many extended family members whom he loved
dearly. He is also blessed to have a bonus sister, Heather Meehan, and bonus grandchildren
Skylar, Patrick, Addason, and Lukas.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to OCEANA by visiting act.oceana.org.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.shieldsfuneralchapel.com