Richard Lesiak

Richard "Rich" Lesiak, 80, passed away peacefully at home with his children by his side after an eight year battle with cancer on November 5, 2025.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 AM Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation is Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM vigil service, all at McKown Funeral Home. Interment is in All Saints Cemetery with Military Honors by The American Legion Hartman Post 84 Honor Guard.

Rich was born on May 6, 1945, to Alex John and Rose Mary (Zoucha) Lesiak in rural Nance County, Nebraska, between Krakow and Fullerton.  After graduating from Genoa High School in 1963, he enlisted in the United States Army.  He served our country for two years, traveling to several bases, and then to Vietnam for a year as a switchboard telecommunications operator before he was honorably discharged in 1966. He returned to Nebraska and married Doris Gdowski in August of 1969.  They moved to Columbus, and to this union, they raised three children – Greg, Gina and Jill.

He took pride in everything he did during his work career, and perfected each task set before him.  He worked at Behlen Manufacturing in Columbus in the Buildings Division, and retired in 2011 after 31 years.  After he retired, he continued working for the City of Columbus – maintaining the shop facilities – until he went into full retirement.  He did other jobs as well, including construction, painting, carpet laying, and custodial work.  He enjoyed working alongside his brother, Al, doing roofing and repairs, and they even built on an addition to the family home. He loved the outdoors and spending time in his garden, grilling, fishing, hunting, and yard work when the kids were young, and in later years sitting on his patio, watching and feeding the birds and squirrels, and going for walks.

Rich was a strong and devoted Catholic, relying on his faith and trust in God.  Even in his last days, he continued to watch and participate in daily Mass on TV.  His rosary and prayer books were always at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents and all eight siblings: Teddy, Irene (Emil) Kula, Angeline, Theresa (Louie) Prososki, Alonza (Pat), Hilbert, Gene (Lisa), and Cliff.

He is survived by his three children and 10 grandchildren:
Greg (Cassandra) Lesiak of Lincoln
Isabella "Izzy" (fiance – Patrick Clare), Dominic and Jackson Lesiak

Gina (Jon) Blaser of Columbus
Jessica (Jake) Hillmer, Connor and Colton Blaser

Jill (John) Punteney of Omaha
Dalton, Hunter, Alexis and Cooper Punteney