Joseph Anthony Lesnau

Joseph Anthony Lesnau passed peacefully from this life to the next on January 4, 2026, Epiphany Sunday, to see the Lord face to face. He had just celebrated his 70th birthday on December 6, 2025, a milestone he was proud to reach despite enduring cancer.

Joe grew up in Norridge, Illinois, and earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois after serving in the Air Force. During this time, he met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth. Together they had three children, a blessing for which he was deeply grateful. After the birth of their first child, the family moved to Texas, where Joe worked as an instrumentation design engineer for several chemical companies along the Gulf Coast.

Faith was always at the forefront of Joe’s life. He believed it was his responsibility as the head of the family to lead them in faith and service. He gave generously of his time and resources to those in need, both within and beyond his parish. Joe served as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus, president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity often bringing his children along to help build homes for the less fortunate. His commitment to service extended to his parish, where he adored Christ in the Eucharist weekly, volunteered in youth ministry, sang in the schola choir, led Bible studies, and participated in a men’s accountability group. Joe took great joy in guiding others to Christ and offering consolation to those in need. Joe also took immense pride in coaching all his children in various team sports.

While his faith was unwavering, Joe also cherished life’s simple pleasures. He never missed Sunday Mass and never missed an afternoon game. He was a beloved son, brother, father, uncle, coach, teacher, and friend.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Francis Lesnau and Charlotte Margaret Lesnau. He is survived by his sisters Mary and Jean, his brother Robert, his three children Hope, Derrick (and wife Nicola), and Alan (and wife Jessica) and his cherished grandchildren, Violet and Owen.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Wholehearted Senior Living and the priests from the Diocese of Austin for their care and compassion during Joe’s final days.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life at his Funeral Mass on January 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church in Austin, Texas.

To honor Joe’s legacy, donations may be made to support Catholic education through the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston: https://www.archgh.org/school-support