Lester "Les" Albert, 75, of Belding passed away Tuesday evening, December 27, 2022, at home. Les was born October 9, 1947, in Greenville, the son of Harold and Irene (Finn) Albert. He graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1965, and later from Central Michigan University in 1971. Les was a lifelong teacher, starting first with Ionia Public Schools, teaching one year for the Department of Defense in Germany, and later teaching at Grand Rapids Community College, Montcalm Community College, and serving as a consultant with the Bay Mills Community College Charter School Office. He was a coach for various sports teams throughout his teaching career. Les was an excellent carpenter and could design and build just about anything. He was always willing to help on any project for family and friends. He also served as supervisor for Keene Township. After retiring from teaching, he worked at the Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home for several years helping on many visitations and funerals. He was a long-time member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Miriam, and served on many church boards including the St. Joseph School Board, Finance Council and Cemetery Board. Les also enjoyed playing fast pitch softball for many years, playing on the Dutchtown Team, and winning a 1987 state championship. Les had a love of the land, always raising a few crops on his farm and having a nice herd of sheep and team of horses. He enjoyed his annual fall trip to the Upper Peninsula, fishing on the Two Hearted River with his sons and friends. Les had a love of family and will be greatly missed. He was married on September 3,1982, in Kentwood, to Barbara J. Kaminski. Les is loved and survived by his wife Barb and their children, Jeffrey Albert of Mt. Pleasant, Timothy (Lauren) Albert of Belding, Lesley (Doug) Esse of Kentwood, his grandchildren, Benjamin, Sandra, Leo and Albert, his siblings, Jim (Edna) Albert, Carroll (Vicki) Albert, Connie (Ken) Neil all of Belding, a sister-in-law, Jean Albert of Belding, many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Richard Albert and Ted (Bonnie) Albert.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday January 3, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Belding with Father Phil Shangraw presiding. Committal prayers will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 PM with a rosary prayed at 7:30 PM at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding. Memorials may be given to the IPF Foundation of Michigan, Spectrum Hospice, the B Foundation, or St Judes. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and churc