Jeffrey B. Lesman

Jeffrey Bernard Lesman, 70, of LaSalle, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2026. Born on August 3, 1955, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Bernard and Joan (Sonneville) Lesman, Jeff grew up with a spirit that would define his life: practical, resilient, and deeply caring.

He married Karen Foltz on July 23, 1977, at First Baptist Church in LaSalle, and together they shared 48 years of marriage. Jeff worked as an industrial electrician from 1991 until his retirement in 2023, serving local businesses including LTV Steel, Alcoa, and Marquis before retiring from MBL. He was an active member of the local theater community, quietly building sets for many productions. A talented singer, he performed with The Four Quarters and Life Dynamics. Jeff found joy in camping, traveling, and hiking, and he was never happier than when underwater. He loved playing games and solving puzzles with his family, watching terrible B movies, and tending to his lawn with genuine passion. His favorite treats were cashews, chocolate pudding, and olives. He lived by the philosophy, “If you’re gonna be dumb, you better be tough,” yet was always the first to help anyone out of a jam.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Karen Lesman of LaSalle; his sisters, Sandy Welch of Ocala, Florida, and Karen (Dale) Salter of Churdan, Iowa; his children, Nathan (Liz) Lesman, Abbie Lesman, Isaac (Wendy) Lesman, Jeremiah (Emily) Lesman, and bonus children Brandy McIntyre Foht and Raven Salter; ten grandchildren, Sophie, Charlie, Cadie, Ayden, Ariana, Colin, Annabelle, Cora, Lincoln, and Lucy; bonus sister Heather Meehan; and bonus grandchildren Skylar, Patrick, Addason, and Lukas, along with many extended family members he held dear. He was preceded in death by his parents.