Lesley Jean (Upham) Huffer

Lesley Jean Huffer, age 90 of Manitowoc, WI, passed away on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, at River’s Bend Health & Rehab, Manitowoc. This also was her husband’s 90th Birthday.

Lesley was born on August 5, 1932, in Guthrie, OK, daughter of the late Firmen E. & Harriet E. (Ward) Upham. She was one of eight children, all daughters. She graduated from Lincoln High School, Lincoln NE in 1951 and from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE in 1955. In 1959, she received her Master’s degree in Christian Education from Berkeley Baptist Divinity School (now Berkeley School of Theology) in California where she first met her future husband.

Lesley pursued a career in Christian Education from 1959-1963 in Minnesota and Michigan. After receiving her teaching certificate from Michigan State University during the summer of 1963, she taught second grade in Napoleon, MI the 1963-1964 school year. On August 15, 1964, Lesley married Bruce P. Huffer at First United Methodist Church in Jackson, Michigan, where she had served as Director of Christian Education. After their marriage, they moved to Ceresco, MI, where her husband was pastor of the Ceresco Baptist Church.

In 1968, Lesley and Bruce moved to Manitowoc where she served as Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Counselor and Choir Member at the First Baptist Church where her husband was the pastor. She eventually went back to school and became a preschool teacher for the Manitowoc Public School District from 1987-1997. Lesley was a member of Grace Congregational United Church of Christ, Two Rivers, WI. Lesley enjoyed collecting frog memorabilia, reading books, knitting, sewing, serving as a Girl Scout leader, being a Mary Kay Consultant, and attending Jazzercise classes and Red Hat gatherings.

Lesley is survived by her husband, Bruce and their three children: Gregory (Jill) Huffer, Milwaukee, Janet (Brett) Marx, Manitowoc, Debbie Huffer (special friend, Dan), Manitowoc; five grandsons: Calvin Huffer, Milwaukee, Casey Huffer, Milwaukee, Zach Hagenow (special friend, Summer) Mishicot, Darren Hagenow, Mishicot, Brandon Marx, Manitowoc; three sisters: Harriett Matthews, Phoenix, AZ, Jennifer (Alan) Barnett, Graham TX, Kathy (Russell) Flournoy, Breckenridge, TX; a sister-in-law: Nancy Huffer (Richard) McRay, Penn Valley, CA; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and special friends. Lesley was preceded in death by four sisters: Shirley Dove, Zola Clover, Marilyn Darden, and Karen Cargile.

The family would like to especially thank the entire staff at River’s Bend and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion. All helped make Lesley’s final years pleasant ones.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Grace Congregational United Church of Christ in Two Rivers. The family will greet relatives and friends at a 10am until the time of service. The Rev. Dr. Colie Bettivia will officiate.

Memorial donations in honor of Lesley can be made to the BST Student Scholarship Fund at Berkeley School of Theology. Online donations can be made at https://www.bst.edu/support/bst-online-donations/ or checks can be mailed to 2606 Dwight Way Berkeley, CA 94701.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Jens Family Funeral Home Manitowoc location is assisting the family with arrangements.

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