Lael “Bud” LeRoy Lessmeier passed away peacefully on  October 18, 2016 with family at his side. 

Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Storm Lake. Burial will be in the Buena Vista Memorial Park Cemetery in Storm Lake. Visitation will take place Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 5-7:00 p.m. with an Odd Fellows service at 6:45 p.m. at the Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

He was born February 4, 1927 to Fred and Ruth Lessmeier. Lael was preceded in death by his loving wife Frances, brother Frank, and his two sisters Donna and Mary. Lael graduated from Storm Lake High School in 1945. Lael enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return he met the love of his life, Frances Franzmeier at the Cobblestone skating rink in 1948. They spent many long evenings at the Cobblestone Ballroom where both enjoyed dancing and friends. Lael and Frances were married on June 25, 1950 and almost immediately began building their home on Northwestern Drive in Storm Lake, a project they began with no building experience and little more than the belief that they could do it. In 1953 their son Jeff was born, followed by sons Mike, Greg, Tim, and Russ. In 1960 Frances and Lael moved their family to an old farmhouse on an acreage west of the Storm Lake airport with the belief that raising their sons in the country would be better for them. Lael, Frances, and the boys spent many happy years on the acreage. Lael and Frances enjoyed antiquing and eventually added a room to the farm house for an antique Soda Fountain and snooker table. Many wonderful times were spent doing what they loved most, spending time with family. They shared many family celebrations with Fran’s sister, Dorothy Kennedy, and her husband, John.  Lael and Fran loved their daughter Susan as if she was their own daughter.  Lael was dedicated to spending as much time as he could with his sons and taught them to hunt, fish and enjoy what nature has to offer. He spent many mornings with one or more of his sons watching dawn break over a lake while fishing.  In the fall, Lael could be found hunting with his boys at his sister’s farm in Sioux Rapids. Lael, Frances, and boys enjoyed many family vacations to Lake Belle Taine in Minnesota. In his later years he loved to carve and make pens for his family and friends.  He made sure that his sons learned the importance of honesty, integrity, and hard work. Lael was always quick to tell a story and treasured the company of family, particularly his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was such a joy to be with and his eyes always had a twinkle, almost to the very end.  Lael was a unique combination of wisdom, strength and gentleness.  He gave us so much and he will always be in our hearts.  

Lael was a member of the United Methodist Church of Storm Lake. He was also a member of the Oddfellows and Rebecca Lodge. 

Survivors include his children, Jeff of Storm Lake, Mike (wife Sherrill) of Ashland, Or., Greg (wife Deb) of Kalispell, Mt., Tim (wife Susan) of Spokane, Wa., and Russ (wife Shallee) of St. Louis, Mo.; ten grandchildren, Jason Lessmeier, Kyle Lessmeier, Eberley (Wedlake) Barragan, Elena Wedlake, Matt Lessmeier, Katie Lessmeier, Ashley Lessmeier, Kelli Lessmeier, Stephanie Lessmeier, Aryn (Lessmeier) Finger, and four great grandchildren. 

Dad, you will be missed but never forgotten. 

Lael’s family thanks all who have given their support, and particularly those who gave care to him over the last several months, including those at the Methodist Manor and Unity Point Hospice. His family asks that in lieu of flowers any contributions be made to Unity Point Hospice. 

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