Obituary of Mel Lesch

Mel Lesch (they/them), 40, spouse of Seith Miller, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2023. Mel was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on March 24, 1983, to Rebecca Thompson Lesch and the late Palmer Charles Lesch.  

Their family lovingly describes some of their hobbies and interests as music, creative writing, living room karaoke, poetry, and baking artisan breads, often sharing that they liked eating them more than baking them! Mel worked tirelessly to support others, especially young folks and the LGBTQIA+ community. Mel founded the office of LGBTQ* resources at the University of Kentucky, taught high school English at Henry Clay, and was working on their PhD dissertation on how universities could better support trans and nonbinary students.

Those left to cherish their memory include, their husband Seith, mother Rebecca, their child Jett Pennington, bestie Rebekah Eleazer, their Wilgus Avenue family, and their university friends and colleagues.

Mel was a brave warrior and incredible family member that always brought wit and ready smiles. They will be missed by Aunt June and Uncle Jeff Thompson, Aunt Mary and Uncle Phil Busman, Aunt Liz and Uncle Pete Thompson, Uncle Nick and Aunt Connie Lesch, and many cousins: Scott, Alex, Katheryn, Jacob, Melody, Matthew, Megan, Amanda.

They are preceded in death by their father Palmer, brother Paul, and their dog, Lucy.  

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 1-2pm at Clark Legacy Center, Brannon Crossing with a gathering of family and friends immediately following from 2-4pm.  

No dress code - please come as your whole self!

Please click link to the left of the obit page if you’d like to contribute a memory or story about Mel to be shared with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.