Maxton "Max" Lessenger

Our dear father and grandfather, Maxton Lessenger, of Columbia, passed away on August 8, 2012. He was born in Brooklyn, NY, on November 6, 1918. Dad and mother, Karleen, who died in 2003, had an incredible life together spanning 60 years of marriage. Sam and Minnie Weingrad, foster parents, raised Max on a farm in Columbia, CT from the age of six months old. He attended the oldest one room schoolhouse in Columbia, and graduated from Windham High School, where he was honored at the 2008 graduation. He served honorably in World War II, receiving numerous ribbons and medals over a 5 year span ending in Italy, and was discharged in 1945. Upon return from the service, he started his own wholesale produce business in Willimantic. In 1950, Max began Lessenger Real Estate Company and was a leader in the field of real estate until his retirement April 1, 1981. During his real estate career, he was instrumental in the formation of the Willimantic Board of Realtors, and helped form the original multiple listing system associated with the board. Max served two terms as Regional VP of the CT Association of Realtors. He also served two terms on the Town of Columbia Zoning Board of Appeals, and President of the Columbia Lake Association. He was the Senior instructor for many years at University of CT, and throughout eastern Connecticut, teaching "The Practices and Principles" real estate course to upcoming realtors. Max was Leading Appraiser for the acquisition of North Campus at ESCU, Windham High School land on High Street, and the property that houses the CT Superior Court in Willimantic. Max was actively involved in the sale of the land where the Columbia Beckish Center is now located. He served in the capacity of President of Windham AMVETS Post #2, Willimantic Kiwanis Club, Greater Willimantic Chamber of Commerce, and the Annie E Vinton PTA, where his children attended school. He chaired the Windham United Way for two terms. Max loved sailing on Columbia Lake, and served as Treasurer of the Lake Sailing Club, where he was proud of his award winnings in the Comet class, as well as sailing with his son, Kurt. He leaves to greatly miss him, his daughter, Karen Lewis, his son and wife, Kurt and Annie Lessenger, and his beloved granddaughters, Corrine and Marissa Lewis. He now joins his wife, Karleen, and son-in-law, Leslie Lewis for eternity. Special thanks to Charles Shooks, MD, the CCU staff at Windham Hospital, the gentle and caring staff at St. Joseph Living Center, and his caregiver of two years, Max Zak. His family will receive relatives and friends on Monday Aug. 13 between 10:00 and 11:00am with a service beginning at 11:00am at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic. Interment with military honors will then follow in West St. Cemetery, Columbia. Donations may be made to St Joseph Living Center End of Life Suite Fund, 14 Club Rd., Windham, Ct. 06280. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com .