Patrick R. Lessner

Saturday, May 3, 1947
Date of Death:
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Age:
72 years old
Patrick R. Lessner
Patrick R. Lessner, 72, of Oregon, IL, died Wednesday, April 8 at Methodist Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota after battling pancreatic cancer for more than a year. Pat was born May 3, 1947, in Dixon, Illinois to Frank and Eleanor (Wilcox) Lessner.
Pat was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon and St. Mary Catholic Church in Polo. Through his work as a business instructor and golf coach, Pat positively influenced the lives of countless students at Dixon High School for over thirty years. He reached many more individuals and families through his work as a golf instructor, financial advisor, and real estate agent. Pat had an unfailingly kind, loving, and positive spirit, and he shared it generously with all. This generosity he extended to the many furry and feathered creatures that frequented his cherished cabin in the woods—from deer to wild turkeys and even, for a time, to an errant peahen! Like his mother and brothers, Pat was a devoted fan of Notre Dame Football and never missed hearing or seeing the Fighting Irish play. He loved his family, friends, and students dearly.
Pat is survived by his beloved fiancee, Clare Elizabeth Foust, whose love for him is and always will be beyond measure. He is survived also by his brothers, Michael and Thomas of San Antonio, TX; James of Deming, NM; two children, AnnMarie Lessner (Jason) Eve of Pewaukee, WI and Kathleen “Katie” Lessner of Portland, OR; and by his granddaughter Kieleen Eleanor Eve, who held a very special place in his heart.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Anne Marie.
Pat has donated his body to science through the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois. In accordance with his wishes, no funeral or visitation is to be held.
Condolences
The family of Patrick R. Lessner has received the following condolences.
Words can’t even begin to tell the deep sorrow and sadness I feel for the passing of Pat. My heart is so very heavy and is breaking right now for all of Pat‘s family. Pat was the living example of what a good man should be… Kind, Caring, Loving, and just a very gentle man. I had no idea until Saturday of what he was going through. I only wish I had known so that I could have told him what a good friend and man he was and to also have been able to give him support when he needed it the most, just as he would’ve done for a friend. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you all an abundance of Love, Peace, and Comfort during this most difficult time.
With So Much Heartfelt sympathy,
Carolyn Brechon
- Mike, Jim, & Tom: What a shock to learn of Patrick's passing into life eternal. What a great guy! Grand Detour was a special place to grow up, especially for boys, and each of you contributed to that magic. Pat was such a gentleman...in every respect and at all times. He was the real deal. May our Lord comfort you now in this loss, for we know Pat will be missed.
playing golf for pat was one of the great privledges and joys of my life he was a great man and taught me so much about life on and off the golf course. He treated everybody equally and was a true joy to be around. Can’t tell you how much I will miss his calming influence in my life. I would not be the man I am today without him. Until we meet again Patrick.
Someone I will truly miss. My sincere condolences to his family. A patient teacher, great coach, and a wonderful person.
I had Pat as a teacher in the mid 80’s and was impressed with his ability to treat everyone with equal patience and kindness. He was the inspiration for eventually pursuing my teaching career. Pat could not have been more helpful and supportive in my taking over the reigns of the DHS golf team and we will all miss him dearly. He will never be forgotten and his memories will live on forever in our hearts.
I taught with Pat many years at DHS and he was not only a great teacher, but a genuinely kind and caring man. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing, please know my thoughts and prayers are with all his loved ones. God bless!
Bless all of your sweet hearts...I have such fond memories at the house in Grand Detour and the cabin. The cabin was like a sanctuary of peace and tranquility with all of nature surrounding it. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you. May God’s loving arms surround you. Patti