William H. Lesch, age 87, of Fredonia died Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.
Bill was born June 16, 1930 in Dunkirk to the late William and Henrietta Miller Lesch. He was raised in Dunkirk, attended Dunkirk schools and graduated from Dunkirk High School. On October 6, 1951, Bill married the former Flossie Carr. The couple was married 46 years at that time of her death on May 7, 1998. In 1962, he purchased what would become the family farm on the Fredonia-Stockton Road in Fredonia. It is where Bill and Flossie raised their family.
A hard-working farmer, Bill was dedicated to his family, community, church and his farming life. He was the recipient of various awards for his dedication to farming, including the Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year and a Dairy of Distinction award. He was a longtime member of the Fredonia Grange and the Laona United Methodist Church. Bill proudly served as the Grand Marshall of both Fredonia Farm Festival parade and the Laona Halloween Parade. For many years, he donated pumpkins to the Laona Halloween parade to ensure those who attended received a pumpkin for Halloween. He was a strong supporter of the Chautauqua County 4-H program.
A true farmer at heart, Bill loved antique tractors. For many years, he diligently raised gladiolas and would then derive great pleasure in delivering gladiola bouquets to 70-80 special friends in the community!
Bill is survived by his daughter, Janet L. (Stephen) Schmonsky of Fredonia and his son, Jay W. (Becky) Lesch of Hamburg; two granddaughters, Laura Lesch of Dallas, TX and Megan Lesch of Denver, CO; his brother, David (Irene) Lesch; and two sisters-in-law, Sarah Lesch and Doris Woodbury. Besides his wife, Flossie and his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, James Lesch; and two sisters, Mary Ellen Centner and Gertrude Aldrich.
No prior visitation. A celebration of Bill's life will be held at a later date.
Flowers gratefully declined. Memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the Laona United Methodist Church; or the Friends of 4-H CCE, 4-H Office, 3542 Turner Road, Jamestown, NY 14701.
Online condolences may be made at www.larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, Larson-Timko Funeral Home.
By the Observer
