William "Bill" K. Lessman

William “Bill” Knott Lessman, age 84, a lifetime resident of the Lake George, MN area, peacefully passed into eternity on Sunday evening, June 5, 2022, at his home with his loving wife, Grace at his side. Bill was born on February 15, 1938, in Tracy, MN to John and Josie (Knott) Lessman. He moved with his family to the Park Rapids area in April of 1944. He attended the Sand Lake School through the 6th grade. He graduated from the Park Rapids High School in 1956. As a young man he worked for his brother, Hank for a time. He also ventured out to Montana where he logged for 8 summers, while there he also worked on a few ranches. In October of 1960, Bill received his draft notice and joined the National Guard. He completed his Basic Training at Ft. Riley, KS in 1961. He particularly enjoyed training for the National Guard in Alaska in 1964. He received his honorable discharge in 1967. On October 12, 1963, Bill was united in marriage to Grace Darlene Johannsen. They moved to their farm in Lake George in 1964 where they raised sheep, milked cows, and also raised hogs and beef cattle. He got involved in the community and his profession by serving on the ASCS Board, the Hubbard County Soil and Water Board, he was a member of the Lake George Lions, and he served many years on the Lake George Township Board as a supervisor and was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George. Bill was a man of many interests but above all he enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities. He also enjoyed going to the sale barn and spent countless hours socializing and telling stories over a cup of coffee with his friends. He also enjoyed attending various lutefisk suppers. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Grace Darlene; his two daughters: Kelli (Keith) Skersick of Shevlin and Wendy (James) Bittmann of Lake George; his son, Brett (Holly) Lessman of Lake George, MN. He loved his six grandchildren: Kayla, Katie, Kris, Kari, Andrew, and Lucas; He also enjoyed his precious great grandkids: Gracie and Bella; and his two granddogs: Kimber and Trigger; as well as his many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Bill was preceded in death by his parents: John and Josie; and his eight siblings: James, Henry, Frank, Edith, Warner, Louella Lof, Richard, and Ardena. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, June 9 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake George officiated by Pastor Philip Houser. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM Wednesday, June 8 also at the church and will continue at 10 AM Thursday until the time of services. The Jones-Pearson Funeral Home was honored to handle all the necessary arrangements. Casket bearers are grandsons: Kristopher Skersick, Andrew Bittmann and Lucas Bittmann and nephews: Patrick Lessman, Paul Lessman and Steve Lof; honorary casket bearers will be the rest of his nieces and nephews and “all the coffee crew”.