Lale Lesseg
Brussels |
Lale Jean Lesseg passed away peacefully on March 13th, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by the love of her two granddaughters.
Jean was born on April 17th, 1934, in Hamburg, Illinois, to the late John and Alma (Graham) Carnes. She was raised on the beloved Carnes family farm in Indian Creek, a place that always held a special place in her heart. A graduate of Hardin High School in 1952, Jean devoted her life to caring for others as a homemaker, a dedicated caretaker, and a helping hand on the family farm.
On November 22nd, 1952, Jean married the love of her life, George Lesseg, at Zion Lutheran Church in Batchtown, IL, where they remained faithful & active members. Together, they built a beautiful life on the Lesseg family farm in Brussels, IL, where they raised their cherished daughter, JoeAnne, who now welcomes her mother into Heaven.
Jean and George shared a love for their community, their faith, and each other, spending decades making unforgettable memories with family and friends. They were devoted church members, skilled cattle raisers, orchard keepers, and elegant ballroom dancers. In their later years, they found joy in simple pleasures- daily drives and meals together, side by side, as they always had been. For over 70 years, Jean was George’s adoring, loving, and beautiful wife-the love story for the ages.
Jean’s greatest happiness came from her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she adored beyond words. She found joy in her faith, tending to her flower gardens, shopping for beautiful clothes, spoiling her beloved barn cats, and listening to bluegrass music. A lifelong pillar of Calhoun County, she was known far and wide for her grace, kindness, and timeless elegance. Jean’s legacy is one of abundant love, unwavering devotion, and a heart that knew no bounds.
She had a gift for bringing people together, and nothing made her happier than hosting gatherings, especially during the holidays. Christmas was her absolute favorite time of year. People from all over the tri-county area would visit just to admire the breathtaking Christmas decorations she so lovingly put together. She took great joy in giving grand tours of her home, sharing her holiday spirit with everyone who stepped through her door.
Jean was truly a rare and beautiful soul, a woman whose presence brought warmth and light to every life she touched. With a heart of gold, immeasurable generosity, and a quiet strength, she embodied grace, poise, and unconditional love. To know her was to love her, and her granddaughters idolized her beyond measure.
Her greatest role was that of a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jean is survived by her two beloved granddaughters, Kelley (John) Heffington and Karla Ellis-Johnes; her precious great-grandchildren, Brady Ellis, Brantley Heffington, Graceyn Heffington, Kayden Johnes, and Jaize Johnes; and several dear nieces and nephews.
She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved George, her daughter JoeAnne, her brothers Dale and Leland Ferral Carnes, and three precious great grandbabies.
Jean’s love and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. While the world is dimmer without her, Heaven shines even brighter with her presence.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin.
Burial will follow at Indian Creek Cemetery in Hamburg.
Memorials can be made to Indian Creek Cemetery.
Online condolences can be made at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
