LESCH, Ralph H. 1908-1997

LESCH, TROGE, PICKERING

Posted By: K.L. Kittleson
Date: 12/22/2008 at 16:03:10

[Mason City (Iowa) Globe Gazette obituaries -- September 3, 1997]

OSAGE, IOWA-- Ralph H. Lesch, 88, of Osage, died Monday, September 1, 1997, at North Iowa Mercy Health Center East, Mason City.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dennis Hanson and the Rev. Roy Ott officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Champion Funeral Home, and one hour prior to services at the church.

He was born Nov. 30, 1908, in Mitchell County, the son of Alfred Henry and Louise Caroline (nee Troge) Lesch.

Ralph attended rural Mitchell County Schools. He took agriculture short courses at Iowa State University to further a lifelong career in agriculture.

Ralph will be remembered for his Hereford cattle business. He started showing cattle at beef shows in his early teens and enjoyed the cattle circuit. He has many ribbons to show for his efforts. He served on the state board of the Hereford Cattle Association for many years. After 75 years, he retired from the cattle business and sold his cattle herd.

On August 1, 1935, Ralph married Margie Pickering. They made their home in Osage. Margie died on June 6, 1995. Ralph supported Margie in her private preschool for many years, believing in the necessity of early childhood education. Ralph was a past member of the Mitchell County Planning and Zoning Commission, serving as past chairman and was a member for many years. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his daughter, Kay Williams of Charles City; one brother, W. Francis Lesch, Osage, and two sisters, Marvel A. Lesch, Osage and Irva (Mrs. Johnson) Feldpouch, Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Louise Lesch; and his wife, Margie.
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NOTES:

His father, Alfred Henry Lesch, died in 1947 and is buried in the Osage City cemetery, along with his mother, Louise.