Robert "Bob" Lesmeister

Robert "Bob" Ray Lesmeister of Entiat, Washington, formerly of Manson, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Bob was born on January 25, 1939, in Appleton City, Missouri. He was raised in Manson, Washington, on the family apple orchard, where he developed a lifelong love of the land. During his summers, Bob worked on trail crews for the Forest Service, serving the Chelan Valley and the North Cascades in Stehekin. It was there that he met a beautiful local girl, sparking a romance that became the talk of the Stehekin Valley. Bob married Suzanne Paton on December 21, 1963. Bob attended the University of Montana in Missoula, where he earned a Master of Science in Chemistry in 1964. After graduation, he began his career as a chemical engineer at Boeing in Seattle. Bob and Sue purchased their first home in Federal Way and started their family. An avid outdoorsman, Bob joined the Boeing Alpine Society and completed many climbing adventures, including summiting Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens. Bob felt called back to Manson and the family orchard. Embracing a new challenge, he and Sue purchased the orchard and built their home there. In the winters he worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation as a snowplow driver. After many fulfilling years of growing apples and cherries, Bob retired. He and Sue then moved to Entiat, where they built a beautiful home overlooking the Columbia River. In his retirement he volunteered with the Forest Service in Lucerne and Holden Village, forming lasting friendships and always eager to spread joy to others. Bob and Sue also enjoyed traveling to new places, including the Grand Canyon, Peru, and Alaska. Bob was deeply involved in his community. He joined the Manson Grange in 1978 and was an active member of Kiwanis. He also served with the Manson Rock Club and the Manson Booster Club. A devoted member of Lake Chelan Lutheran Church, Bob faithfully served as church treasurer. Bob loved reading, camping, hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, stargazing, fishing, and gardening. Curious and thoughtful, he was always learning. Loyal and kind, he carried a sparkle in his eye and a warm, welcoming smile that made others feel at home. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Cora Lesmeister, his sister Sharon Crites, and brother Rick Lesmeister. He is survived by his loving wife Sue (Entiat), children Todd (Teri) of College Place, Julie (Mike) of Winthrop, and David (Ayako) of Entiat. He is also survived by his brothers Terry (Tar), Larry and sister Carol along with five grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. There will be a Memorial Service, March 21st, beginning at 11:00am, at the Lake Chelan Lutheran Church with a reception to follow. Please express your thoughts and memories on our online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones - Betts Funeral Home.

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Robert "Bob" Lesmeister

January 25, 1939 - February 25, 2026