Louis Lesjak

Louis Lesjak, 82, a longtime resident of New Philadelphia, died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, January 14, 2004. Born in Johnstown, Ohio on December 20, 1921, Mr. Lesjak was the only son born to the late Martin and Josephine Lesjak. Mr. Lesjak was twenty years old when he entered the Army of the United States in November of 1942.His tour of duty took him to the beaches of Normandy, France on D-Day, then through Northern France, the Rhineland and Ardennes. Mr. Lesjak was also awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, an Eastern European Theater Service Medal with four bronze stars, and the Victory Medal. Sergeant Lesjak was awarded the Purple Heart for a wound he received in Belgium in January 1945. Louis settled in New Philadelphia following his discharge in December 1945. Here, he met and eventually married the former Erma Magdaline Mattevi on December 13, 1949. They spent fifty-two years together before her death on June 2, 2002. Together with Monte and Irene Parolini, the Lesjak’s owned and operated the former Orchard Inn at Wainwright. Louis was a heavy equipment operator beginning his career at the former Davidson Mining, and ultimately retiring from L & M Mining at Uhrichsville. A member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks # 510 in New Philadelphia, Louis enjoyed fishing and gardening in his spare time. Survivors include four sons, Jeff (Linda) Lesjak of New Philadelphia, Jim (Laurel) Wemple of Dover, Donald (Fran) Wemple of New Philadelphia, and Rodney (Debra) Lesjak of New Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Michael Lesjak, Kim Martin, Jami Ley, Stephani Krueger, and Zach Wemple; six great-grandchildren, Jared Ley, Devan Ley, Olivia Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jonah Krueger and Miles Krueger; a sister, Mary Turkovich, of New Philadelphia; three nephews and a niece.In addition to his parents and wife, Louis is preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Ricklic.Friends are invited to call Friday (TODAY) from 4 PM until 7 PM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, where Christian Wake services will be held at 7 PM. Msgr. George J. Schlegel will celebrate a funeral mass Saturday morning at 9:30 AM in Sacred Heart Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, New Philadelphia. A reception will be given in St. Ambrose hall, adjacent to the church, following the committal service. Memorial Contributions to Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663, are encouraged.