C. Mike Lesch

C. Mike Lesch of O’Fallon, MO, passed away at the age of 77 on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Virgie Lesch.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann Lesch; his children, Dale Lesch and Cindy Barry; his grandchildren, Samantha (Tyler) Schurwan, Brandon Barry, and Katie Barry; his great-grandchildren, Eris and Lilith; and his sister, Pat (Noel) Eberle.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree at SEMO and his master’s degree at SIU Carbondale before going on to teach science at the Riverview Gardens and Fort Zumwalt School districts. He retired from that role after a long, successful career of making a difference as an educator. He had a passion for nature and, in addition to owning a tree farm, Mike spent as much time as he could either hunting, fishing, gardening, hiking, or collecting minerals. Mike was a member of both the American Tree Farm System and the National Education Association. Traveling with his wife, Jo Ann, and enjoying their trips together were always some of the highlights of his life. Mike will always be remembered by his family as a man who had a kind word for everybody, was well-liked by everyone he met, and as a devoted grandfather who was greatly involved his grandchildren’s lives. He will be dearly missed.

Contributions in Mike’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society.