Livonia: Jan passed peacefully on December 7, 2019 at age 71. Predeceased by his parents Heiko and Klasiena Lesterhuis. Survived by his son Austin (Heather) Lesterhuis of Cohocton; grandchildren, Briana and Clayton Lesterhuis; brother Heiko (Deb) Lesterhuis of Springwater; also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Jan was born on May 12, 1948 in Rochester, NY to the late Heiko and Klasiena Lesterhuis. He graduated from Livonia Central High School in 1968. He went on to study Mechanical Engineering at RIT. He spent many years as a salesman for Mack trucks. He finished out his career in the school bus industry.
Jan had many passions. A few being his love for vintage sleds; especially Yamahas, competitive shooting, hunting, racing slot cars with family and friends, and most importantly his time with his grandchildren. Those who knew Jan knew he was never one to mince words. His straight forward personality made him so easy to love. You never had to question what was on his mind.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at the Cohocton Pavilion, 15 S. Main Street, Cohocton, NY on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 1:00pm. We ask those in attendance to bring a dish to pass, your beverage of preference, and a story to tell! To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I grew up with the Lesterhuis’s living across the street from me and have know Jan since he was about 9 years old. There are many great stories about Jan that I have from our first snow mobile rides to many Christmas and New years together.
After I left New York we kept in touch via email where he always amazed me in his ability to compose and write with such eloquence.
He was an incredible father and so very proud of Austin.
My deepest condolences to Austin and the Lesterhuis family.
I will see you all in May.
So sorry to hear of Jan’s passing. We have many fond memories of growing up with Jan & Heiko as our parents all immigrated from Holland. Thankfully, no one can take these memories from us. Condolences from the Veldhuizen family. May you rest in Peace, Jan.
Met Jan when he worked at Kemps and later when I worked with his son. Both were great guys with a unique relationship. Jan could be a challenge to get to know, but I really liked him and his honesty. He will be missed. All my best to you Austin and all your family.
I met Jan through the vintage slot car hobby. Yes he was not one to mince words and you knew where he stood…and that’s what I liked about him. He was a great guy and I am glad I spent time with him along the way. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to Austin and the rest of the family.
Enjoyed living 2 houses west of Jan for the last 14 years. We discussed hunting, shooting, etc. and emailed each other on local 2A issues. Rest in Peace and best wishes to his son, brother, and other family members. Ed Reich, Livonia, N.Y.
Such a cool guy who will always have a great legacy/reputation in the HO Slotcar Racing Community. I’ll treasure the final Livoniapolois 500 race plaque forever……see ya in the future fellow Bus guy.
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Austin, and the rest of the Lesterhuis family. Jan was a good man, and a good friend. It is a day I will never forget, the day we first met at Fantasy Raceway. I will miss him dearly. Love, prayers, and healing thoughts coming your way.
Sympathy to Austin and the entire family.
So sorry to hear!! Remember him so well. Thoughts and prayers to all.
My sincere condolences to the Lesterhuis Family and God Bless Jan!
You were always a good guy and very nice to me..we had not seen each other since high school but I will always remember you.