Michael M Lesser

Michael M. Lesser, age 93 of Des Plaines, IL passed away on the morning of 12/31/2023. Mike peacefully left this beautiful world at home with a John Wayne movie playing, covered in a John Wayne blanket, and surrounded by his family. Until the very end he always said, “Life is Great.”

Mike was born in Milwaukee, WI on 2/20/1930. The son of the late Loretta and Matthew Lesser. Mike was a devoted husband for 51 years to the love of his life, the late Rosemary Lesser (nee Mason). He was a wonderful father to the late Michael (wife Judy), Terry (wife Trish), Richard (wife Mary), and Tom (wife Maria). His most cherished are his grandchildren; Brian, Matt, Julie, Ricky, Jeanette, and Danny. The most prized are his great grandchildren; Michael, Derrick, Antonio, Breana, Alyssa, Danny, Shawn, Gavin, Easton, Cade, Brendan, Audrey, Nico, and Eduardo. His most honored are his great great grandchildren; Tyson, Garrett, and Paxton. Mike was a brother to the late Frank Lesser, Bob Coulam, late Carol Coulam, and the late Diane Coulam. He remained close with his sister-in-laws; Margaret Tobin and Kathy Munoz along with many nieces and nephews.

Mike lived in 39 homes and worked over 100 jobs in his lifetime. His longest careers were a display designer for Kinney Shoes for 30 years, owned Brumlik Shoes for 5 years, delivered payroll checks for ADP for 19 years, and enjoyed being a realtor on the side. Mike settled down buying a condo in 2005 after he retired and spent almost every weekday driving to Schaumburg to buy lunch or dinner for his sons and his friends, mostly anyone who would listen to his stories. On the weekends you would find him in a boat fishing or on the sidelines of his great grandkid’s games with a large coffee and a blanket cheering them on. Mike will be missed and remembered by all that had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

Visitation will be held at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL on Friday, January 5 from 4pm to 7pm. The funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 794 Pearson St., Des Plaines, IL on Saturday, January 6 at 10am. Mike’s final resting place will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Oxford, WI.