Gale "Tom" Lesher Jr.

Gale "Tom" Thomas Lesher Jr., age 80, of Woodbury, Minnesota passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025. He was surrounded by family for two days prior as they reflected on his life, sharing stories of precious memories and events.

Tom was born on May 19, 1945 in Langdon, North Dakota to Gale and Doris (White) Lesher. He grew up in Cavalier, North Dakota graduating from Cavalier High School. Tom went on to study biology at Moorhead State University and University of North Dakota before earning his Pharmacy Degree from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. He also served his country in the United States Army for 21 months. Tom was united in marriage to the love of his life, Margaret "Maggie" Hjalmarson on August 22, 1970 in Cavalier, ND. They lived at UND and NDSU as well as a short time in Urbana, Illinois. In 1978, they moved to the Twin Cities area where they settled to raise their family, making their forever home in Woodbury. Tom worked for many years at Regina Hospital in Hastings and St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul and later worked in local community pharmacies.

In his early years, Tom played basketball, football, and baseball, and remained a sports enthusiast, especially when it came to the Yankees. He played piano and was an avid reader. He was a good cook and enjoyed experimenting with new recipes. He donated annually to Sudro Society for NDSU's School of Pharmacy and helped establish the Hjalmarson-Lesher Occupational Therapy Fund for Innovative Pediatric Practice at UND. Tom was a man of deep faith and served in his church in various ways including teaching religion classes. He was known for his amazing memory, strong and tireless work ethic, and willingness to help others. The most cherished part of Tom's life was time spent with his family. He delighted in his grandchildren and was a devoted and patient "Papa," always willing to join them for a princess tea party, become the Papa Monster, watch Top Gear, or make a Dairy Queen run. He loved to joke and had an incredible belly laugh. Tom leaves behind a huge legacy of love and will be deeply missed.

Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret "Maggie" (Hjalmarson); children Kristin (Mike) Westbrock, Michael (Alicia) Lesher and Daniel (Kelli Heroff) Lesher; grandchildren Tristan, Alayna and Aubrey Lesher; sister Ila Martindale and brother-in-law Ronald Furstenau as well as several nieces and nephews.

Tom is preceded in death by his son David Ross Lesher; parents Gale Sr. and Doris Lesher; siblings Patricia Furstenau, Duane Lesher, and Barclay Lesher; brothers-in-law Michael Jobe and Joe Martindale.

The family will forever be grateful for the skilled and caring individuals who compassionately ministered to Tom and our family through English Rose Suites and Beyond Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am on Friday, October 17, 2025 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave., St. Paul Park, MN with visitation beginning at 10 am. Interment will be in the St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery in St. Paul Park. Following the graveside service, all are invited to a luncheon at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, MN.

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