Richard J. Lesniak

Richard Joseph Lesniak of Waukesha Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday July 29 2025, surrounded by family, at the age of 82. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Rich will be missed by those who had the good fortune to know him.

Rich was born on July 4, 1943 in LaSalle, Illinois, and then grew up surrounded by family, including his brother and sisters, in Naperville, Illinois.

As a young man he journeyed to Milwaukee Wisconsin where he was enrolled at Marquette University. Here he established a brotherhood of lifelong friends in the fraternal Knights of the Alter (KOA). It was here that he also met the love of his life, Theresa, from Waukesha. After two years of service to our nation in the Army, Rich and Terri were married on 1968 at St. Mary’s parish In Waukesha. Together they raised their family in West Allis, Chicago, and then returned to Waukesha where their two sons graduated from St. Mary’s grade School and Catholic Memorial High School.

Rich enjoyed many things in his life, but three activities stand out. He took great pleasure in golf and the companions that joined him. He was much more serious about his long-lasting obsession with handball. Here he was a fierce competitor with a demoralizing left hand shot that consistently won him trophies. But most of all, Rich loved baseball, from his childhood to the end of his life. He was a competitive player and a devoted fan. Whether it was playing first base, coaching high schoolers, or watching on TV or at the ballpark. Whether it was MLB or minor league, high school or little league, Rich loved to watch a game.

Regarding the legacy he leaves, perhaps it is defined by Giving. He made a career of it working in development and fund raising for non-profit organizations, including Marquette University, Northwestern University, the Priests of the Sacred Heart, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Later, as a consultant he worked with many smaller non-profit organizations. In his personal life, friends and family all benefited from his generosity.

Rich is preceded by his Parents Joseph and Pearl, and his beloved wife Theresa. He is survived by his sons John (Helene) Lesniak and Robert Lesniak. He was the proud grandfather of Madeline, Abigail, Angelina, Brendan and Collin. He is also survived by his brother Ron (Deb) Lesniak, and sisters Joann (John) Bushman and Sandy (Mike) Bonnie.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 pm funeral Mass all at Corpus Christi Parish-St. Mary Church, 225 S. Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186. Burial will take place after Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery.  Please join the family after the Mass for the reception that will be held in the church community room.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name, to the Medical College of Wisconsin mcw.edu/giving or Waukesha Free Clinic at Carroll College fundraise.givesmart.com/form/0DjppA?vid=1kvbxp