Lester "Les" A. Mensch, Jr.

Shamokin – Lester “Les” A. Mensch, Jr., 75, of 20 W Adams Street, passed away on July 13, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born in Shamokin on March 27, 1948 he was the son of the late Lester A. Mensch Sr. and Elizabeth Kiefaber, He spent some of his childhood with his foster parents, “mom” and “pop” Strausser, whom he loved very much and was ultimately raised by his late father, Lester A. Sr and beloved stepmother, Helen (Rickert) Mensch.

Lester graduated from Shamokin High School in 1966 and married his high school girlfriend Gail Delbaugh on August 22, 1970. They had 2 sons together, Scott and Brian, both of whom he was very proud of. He had many jobs over the years, first of which was a dispatcher for Yellow Cab when he was 14 years old. He went on to work as a logger, where we assume he acquired his love for flannel. He also worked at Nash Bakery, and as delivery driver for Durdachs. Lester spent 15 years at Zimmer Homes in Selinsgrove, worked for George Zarick Construction and most recently was a saw operator for 17 years at Universal Forest in Gordon, until he retired in 2015.

In his younger days, he was usually working on cars with his friends, John and Bruce. Later he was a fixture at Palmers Diner where he could be found hanging out with and helping his long-time friend, Paul Palmitessa. He enjoyed spending time with his family, helping his friends, walking his dog Peanut, and the occasional clambake. His greatest joy in life was being Pop to his 2 grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of almost 53 years, he is survived by his son, Scott Mensch of Shamokin and his companion, Vicki Wertman of Sunbury; as well as his other son, Brian Mensch and his wife, Sarah of Shamokin; a granddaughter, Norah Mensch; a grandson, Nolan Mensch; and a sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Steve Whitman of Northumberland; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lewis and Gladys (Wolfgang) Delbaugh.

Near the end of his battle with Lewy Body Dementia, he was lucky enough to be well cared for by his niece, Faith Artley and the staff at the Mansion in Sunbury.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Lester A. Mensch, Jr., 75, of Shamokin – Funeral Service will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00 am at Farrow-C.J. Lucas Funeral and Cremation Service, 240 W Chestnut Street, Shamokin, PA, Lori Ann Campbell, Supervisor. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow the service at Odd Fellows Cemetery. To send condolences to the family please visit www.farrowfh.com