Carol Lesher

Services for Carol will be held at a later date.

Carol Esther (Tiger) Lesher, age 90, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City. Carol was born March 19, 1934, in Boise, Idaho; the daughter of Vernon and Gladys “Mickey” (Caskey) Tiger. Mickey would later marry Dick Cottrell, and Dick was a beloved father figure to Carol as well. Growing up in Boise, Carol graduated from Boise High School in 1952 and as a young lady she loved dancing, spending time with friends, and enjoying the Idaho outdoors with her family.

It was in Idaho that Carol’s path crossed with that of her future husband, Orville Lesher. They met while Orville was stationed at Mountain Home Air Base near Boise, serving in the United States Air Force. On July 1, 1954, they were united in marriage in Boise. After their wedding, Carol and Orville embarked on a new chapter of their lives, moving to Clarion, Iowa for a short time before settling on a farm near Woolstock in 1960.

On the farm, God called Carol to the vocation of a farmer’s wife. She participated in all aspects of the farm, from row crops to livestock, and even walking beans in the fields. She raised four boys, tended a bountiful garden, and contributed to all aspects of the farm operation. Carol also found time to offer her assistance to the local co-op, helping them with bookkeeping. Carol’s life took a new direction after the passing of her husband Orville in 1991. Now alongside her boys, she embraced the challenge of running the farm.

Carol’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was actively involved in the Woolstock Methodist Church for most of her life and served various roles including United Methodist Women’s group. Carol was also a Sunday School teacher, a role she cherished, especially when teaching her grandchildren. Carol’s community involvement went beyond the church walls; as a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority and the Troy Culture Club, she contributed her time and talents generously. Her care extended even to the final resting places of her community members, as she lovingly tended to the Troy Township Cemetery.

Carol is survived by her four sons Gary (Regina) Lesher of Eagle Grove, Lon (Carol Jean) Lesher of Missouri Valley, Jeff (Jennifer) Lesher of Eagle Grove, and Mike (Debra) Lesher of Woolstock; 7 grandchildren – Nate (Jaime) Lesher, Trisha (Andy) Bartlett, Tamara (fiancé Adam Jensen) Lesher, Sean (Laura) Lesher, Daniel (Breanne) Lesher, Andrew (Jenni) Lesher, and Kate Lesher; and 15 great-grandchildren – Peyton and Collin Lesher (Douglas); Gabriel, Penelope, and Paisley Lesher (Nate); Caleb, Emmett, Lucille Bartlett (Trisha); Dean, Janet “Sammy”, and Rose Lesher (Sean); Lane, Ryker, and Parker Lesher (Daniel); and Gavyn (Andrew).

Preceding Carol in death were her parents Vernon Tiger, Mickey Cottrell, stepfather Dick Cottrell, husband Orville, and grandsons Douglas Lesher and Justin Lesher.

Online condolences may be left at www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com