Charles Theodore Lesch of Clermont, Florida, passed into the keeping of his Lord on November 30 at the Gardens at Montverde Assisted Living Facility. His death was attributed to natural causes. He was 86.

Chuck, as he was known by those closest to him, was born to Theodore and Jessie Lesch on January 10, 1935 in Ramsey, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Theodore and Richard, and is survived by brother Gerald, and a younger sister, Shirley.

Chuck served as a Navy seaman, working on ships sailing the Great Lakes. During this time, he met his wife, Geraldine Genevieve Nadolski (deceased). They were wed on October 22,1957. Chuck fathered three sons, Temujin (Tim) Conrad Lesch (deceased), Tracy Christopher Lesch, and Charles Bernard Lesch. A granddaughter, Sarah Lesch, also survives Chuck.

His naval experience would come into play again later in life, when he became a well-respected instructor at the Great Lakes Naval Academy. He was proud to teach the future generations of Navy seamen in Engineering.

Chuck was a highly talented artist who also enjoyed woodworking, and the hobby of military model building. He had a love of all things Western, and was a fount of knowledge on world History. He also loved music, especially the big band music of Stan Kenton, Buddy Morrow, and Glenn Miller. Other groups like the Fifth Dimension and Sergio Mendes and Brazil '66 could be heard emanating from his stereo.

He was proud of his Polish heritage, and people who knew him almost unanimously mentioned his wonderful sense of humor. Some of his most joyful moments were spent outdoors, feeding and playing with his beloved chipmunks, which treated him as one of their own.

Chuck passed peacefully, his youngest son Chuck Jr. at his side.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." –Revelation 21:4

No services will be held, but the family has asked that in remembrance, donations be made to Alzheimer's research and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Correspondence may be sent to Charles.Lesch@comcast.net .