Pam Lessiter of Brookfield, Wis., co-founder of Lessiter Media Inc. (LM), passed away on March 8, 2025 after an unwavering 7-year battle with lung disease. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving husband, Frank and all 4 of her children in a room packed with in-laws and grandchildren.
Pamela Ann Fuzak was born August 24, 1943, in Champaign, Ill., to Dorothy and John Fuzak, and grew up in East Lansing, Mich. While attending Michigan State Univ. (where she earned a Business Education degree), she met her soulmate, Frank Lessiter, in the university’s information services offices where both worked. After a brief courtship, they wed on November 23, 1963.
Frank and Pam Lessiter
Among the couple’s early professional work together was a book they wrote and self-published from the basement of their Illinois home, called the Agricultural Travel Guide in 1971. The book’s publishing rights were subsequently acquired by Elanco and put into motion a new career path for Frank. It was the first of a handful of book projects in which she assisted her husband. Up until her death, she remained the company’s top copyeditor and proofreader.
Together, they raised 4 children, all of whom contributed to the company throughout its 4-plus decades. Their children include Debbie Hansen (Mark) of Onalaska, Wis., Susie Grabow (Brian) of Wauwatosa, Wis., Mike (Sandy) of Brookfield and Kelly Fitch (Quinn) of East Troy, Wis. She passed away in the same Brookfield home the couple purchased in 1972, when Frank accepted a move from Chicago to lead a soon-to-be-launched publication called No-Till Farmer.
In March of 1981, she and Frank purchased No-Till Farmer, Farm Building News and The National Farm Building Show and founded LM, a niche agriculture publisher. Pam was instrumental in keeping the business afloat through the ag recession of the 1980s and navigating through a forced divestiture in 1989 that resulted in a total rebuilding of the business.
Pam Lessiter at the National Farm Building Show
For a time, the company operated with only she and Frank, and a part-time assistant. The acquisition of American Farriers Journal in 1992 marked a new beginning and provided the resources on which to expand again, and to apply their unique content-driven formula to other markets.
“Pam was instrumental in keeping the business afloat through the ag recession of the 1980s...”
Today, the company employs 41 across nearly 20 global brands that span conservation agriculture, farm machinery and equine health. Its media channels include newsletters, magazines, in-person conferences, podcasts, virtual summits, broadcasts, books, marketing services and video.
‘Ahead of Her Time’
As the company began its third decade, Pam was credited as “ahead of her time” among chief financial officers in the niche-media world. Specifically, she was noted for her early vision and diligence in establishing focused profit center P&Ls for each brand, early and advanced software use, cash-flow management, zero-sum budgeting and a highly disciplined expense management approach.
Pam was a model of how business and an enormous heart for people can go hand-in-hand. She provided emotional support for employees and was eager to provide help before being asked, especially in her favored “baby-rocker” roles.
In 2016, Frank, and son, Mike, established a scholarship in her name in 2016, the Pam Lessiter Legacy Scholarship. “Throughout her life, Pam has been dedicated to hard work, self-improvement and continuing education — the values that became the impetus for a scholarship program to encourage the recipients to use their God-given talents,” noted Mike at the announcement at the 2016 LM Christmas party. Since that time, more than 140 scholarships have been presented to the children of LM staffers in pursuit of their post-secondary education.
“She was noted for her early vision and diligence in establishing focused profit center P&Ls for each brand, early and advanced software use, cash-flow management, zero-sum budgeting and a highly disciplined expense management approach…”
Pam was always generous with her time and resources. She was particularly gifted in bringing peace and calm to others through her bright-shining personality, smiles and endless laughter, with a penchant for self-effacing humor.
Twilight Years
Pam retired from LM in 2011 to pursue her greatest love and exercise her unparalleled talents – grandmothering. Her special and unique traditions, as well as her songs and contemporary dance moves (queue up “Pump Up the Jam” and “Shut Up & Dance With Me!”), created lifetimes of memories for a very blessed all-star roster of 14 grandchildren.
Her later years included early morning aerobics at church with her beloved “Firm Believers,” a decades-long tradition of birthday lunches with friends, whiled-away hours reading from her pool swing, European river cruises with her best friend and sister, Susie Fuzak Ziara, countless family gatherings around the pool, and walks and snuggles with her treasured canine companion, Gracie.
Always Family First
But her greatest joy, and proudest accomplishment in life, was her family.
In addition to her husband, Frank, and her 4 children, Pam is survived by her younger siblings John Fuzak (Jan), Susie Fuzak Ziara (Tom), and 14 grandchildren: Alex Hansen, Molly Hansen Luchangco (Roi Luchangco), Casey Grabow Harris (Kevin Harris) Allie Grabow, Ryan Hansen (Brenna), Megan Hansen, Olivia Fitch, Will Hansen, Drew Lessiter, Logan Fitch, Abby Grabow, Owen Lessiter, Riley Fitch and Hayden Lessiter. She also was blessed with two great-granddaughters, Evie and Rosie Luchangco. She was a treasured “Aunt Pam” by 7 nieces and nephews (Roberts, Fuzaks and Ziaras).
Her favorite quote embodied what her company aimed to do in its work; to provide information and knowledge that could improve her customers’ lives. Her favorite quote was from Ralph Waldo Emerson. “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
Final Arrangements
Visitation is 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19 at Becker-Ritter Funeral Home, 14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, Wis. A eulogy, followed by a funeral mass, begins at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 at St. John Vianney (1755 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield) with a luncheon immediately following at The Western Racquet Club, 800 Highland Dr., Elm Grove. Memorial donations may be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Parish, 1755 N Calhoun Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005.
About Lessiter Media: Founded in 1981 by Frank and Pam Lessiter, Lessiter Media remains 100% family owned and led by Chairman Frank and President Mike Lessiter. Serving subscribers across the globe, its properties includes Farm Equipment, Farm Innovations, Rural Lifestyle Dealer, Precision Farming Dealer, No-Till Farmer, Strip-Till Farmer, Cover Crop Strategies, Ag Equipment Intelligence, American Farriers Journal, National No-Tillage Conference, National Strip-Tillage Conference, Precision Farming Dealer Summit, Dealership Minds Summit, International Hoof-Care Summit, the National Cover Crop Summit, On The Record and Conservation Ag Update.
Comments:
Mike Lessiter's Post: Pam Fuzak Lessiter passed away on March 8 after a long and unwavering multi-year battle with lung disease. She passed peacefully at home, alongside her loving husband of 61 years, Frank Lessiter, as well as all four children (Debbie Hansen, Susie Lessiter Grabow, Mike Lessiter, Kelly Fitch) and in the loving arms of many in-laws and grandchildren. She also met her newborn great-grandaughter the day before she joined her Lord in Heaven, along with her parents, sister-in-law and other family and friends. Thank you for all the steadfast prayers and support — she said she felt every one of them. Notice of arrangements will be forthcoming.
Comments:
Katie Roberts Rojeski: What an awesome person she was, who will be so greatly missed. So many great memories with her! Love you all.
Trista Roberts: Been thinking of all of you. She was definitely a great lady and an exceptional role model.
Tommy Vee: Please accept our sincere condolences I’m glad you we able be with her.
Craig Lee: I’m very sorry for your loss. I have no doubt she was a great woman.
Steve Groff: You have our sympathies. I remember her being at many NNTC events…
Tracy Bever Frank: Thinking of you!
Jeffrey Scott Lien: I’m so sorry for your loss.
Samantha Ziebell: Sending love. I’m so sorry for your loss!
"Ol Raspy": Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kelly Fitch's Post: We miss you so much! ❤️ you Mom! Xoxo
Comments:
Kelly Gregory: So sorry for your loss! Hugs.
Cari Schneider: Many many thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your mother was unbelievably kind and good and such a holy lady. She is up in heaven watching over you all. God Bless and hold you through this. Very sad time.
Walt Taylor: I am so sorry to learn this, frank. I know these are hard times, but we who know you both realize you will overcome! All the best!
Christine Wirtzburger Brune: My condolences to Frank and the entire Lessiter Family. ❤️
Judy Zietlow: Thinking of you and your family!! Cherish your beautiful memories and share with others! So sorry for your loss! ❤️🙏🏻
Connie Roth Lechleitner: Thinking of you, Lessiter family!
Mark Ellis: OOMG Mike I am so sorry for your loss. Please tell Frank.
Jenny Ledin: Beautifully written!! I am so glad I had the privilege of knowing her!
Lynn Ciepluch: Our sincere condolences! Rest in peace dear Pam! ❤️🙏🏻
Sue M. Schwartz Volenac: Debbie and family we are so sorry for your loss 🙏🏻 We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jen Baron: Paul and I are sending our sympathy to the entire Lessiter family. Hoping you find solace and peace in the many happy memories you have with Pam.
Darrell Bruggink: No better compliment to a person about how wonderful a mother, wife and grandmother than to have nearly your entire family with you to send you off to heaven. God's blessings to you.
Diane Hamilton: So sorry for your loss, Kelly and family. Your mom sounded like an amazing woman!
Sjoerd Duiker: My condolences. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Steve Eastman: I am very sorry for the loss of your wife. She was a fine lady and a great partner.
Phil Fisher Cjf: Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you!
Josh Ramsey: Condolences to the family.
Nick Hannan: Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire family from Texas.
Jill Galiene Kiel: That was the most incredible and beautiful tribute a mom could ever want. My deepest sympathies, Mike Lessiter.
Greg Burdette: So sorry
Jamie Ries: So sorry! Sending you prayers for comfort and peace.
Laurie Fiesler: So sorry to hear of your loss. ❤️🙏🏻
Therese Waltz: I am so very sorry. Your mom sounds like she was a very special, wonderful person.
Kristine Hare Valk: What an amazing tribute. Your mother was a great woman and a wonderful model for her family. You are all so blessed. You are in our thoughts and prayers ❤️🙏🏻.
Amy Hargrove: Prayers for you and your family.
Mary Wirkus: Oh Debbie, I am so very sorry for you and your family! Prayers, hugs and wishes for peace for you all! ❤️
Kerry Haugh: Sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to the family.
Bob Grover: Frank and family, our deepest sympathy for you an all who knew Pam. Be blessed with memories of an incredible legacy of love and the promise we have in Christ to see each other again in the blink of an eye.
Eric D. Bothwell: I am so sorry for you Frank, for you wife Pam's loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Hang in there Frank.
Barb Fotsch: So sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. This is a great tribute to her. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
Jeanie Crenshaw Noltemeyer: Frank Lessiter, I am so sorry to read of your dear wife's passing. Prayers!
Patty Stiller: Sending your family my deepest condolences.
Jessica Bolger Hass: Debbie, I am so sorry for you and your entire family. I lost my mom to this same terrible disease only 4 short months ago. I know we've shared stories, but know I am here for you through the roller coaster you are on. Our moms are now celebrating without pain and breathing without tubes! It's what gets me through the tough days. Hugs and prayers to all of you. ❤️
Lessiter Media's Post: Pam Fuzak Lessiter, co-founder of Lessiter Media Inc., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving husband, Frank Lessiter, and all 4 of her children in a room packed with in-laws and grandchildren on March 8, 2025 after an unwavering 7-year battle with lung disease. We will miss her dearly.
Comments:
Debbie Hansen: We love you mom, and already miss you so much!
Kristine Znamenski Gallagher: So sorry for your loss… lifting prayers.
Mark Lucas: My condolences to the whole family.
Nicole Brylow: My thoughts are with the Lessiter family.
Dave Kanicki: Pam was one of the sweetest most loving people I've ever known. I'll miss her terribly.
John Connolly: Frank and Mike, so sorry to see this. Sending good thoughts to you and your families.
Lee Hyde: Condolences to the entire Lessiter Media Family.
Jennifer Bradley: So sorry for your loss, Mike Lessiter. Praying for peace and comfort during this time.
American Farriers Journal's Post: Pam Fuzak Lessiter, co-founder of Lessiter Media Inc., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving husband, Frank Lessiter, and all 4 of her children in a room packed with in-laws and grandchildren on March 8, 2025 after an unwavering 7-year battle with lung disease. We will miss her dearly.
Comments:
Olympia Farrier Supply: I am so sorry. Our condolences.
Linda Chapman: ❤️🙏🏻🐎
Tommy A. Boudreau: ✝️❤️
Tim Cable: Prayers for all the friends and family.
KC La Pierre Maep: Sorry for your loss. For we are not of this world, the Lord’s arms have welcomed her home. Amen
Kenny Hoyle: Sorry for your loss...
Steven J. Marko: Sorry for your loss.
Martin Kenny: Condolences to all she left behind.
Chris Turner: My sincere condolences!
Norman Roach: May she rest in peace, prayers for all.
Mike Bagley Horseshoeing: Very sorry for the loss.
World Championship Blacksmiths: Rest in Peace! So Sorry for your loss.
Jim Martin: I’m so sorry!!!
Pancho Willoughby: So very sorry.
Harry Serio: Peace and Prayers be with family and friends.
Carlo Montagna: Very sorry for the loss.
Teri Bauer: Sorry for your loss.
Paul Brennan: R.I.P.
Mark Milster: I’m really sorry to to hear this.
Joe Johnson: So sorry for your loss. RIP.
Bryan Quinsey: My deepest sympathy to the Lessiter family on your loss.
Jon White: Frank, so sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Jim Ferrie: Hi Frank , please accept my sincere condolances on your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time!
Michael DeLeonardo Jr.: Frank I send my love and prayers to you and your family may God wrap his arms around you folks at this time of your life.
Terry Osborne: So sorry to hear about your loss.
David Farley: 🙏🙏
Sam Hilterbrand: Prayers sending
National No-Tillage Conference's Post: Pam Fuzak Lessiter, co-founder of Lessiter Media Inc., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving husband, Frank Lessiter, and all 4 of her children in a room packed with in-laws and grandchildren on March 8, 2025 after an unwavering 7-year battle with lung disease. We will miss her dearly.
Comments:
Bob Bottens: My sympathy is with you and your family.
Gina Hanna-Stokes: Our sympathies to the family.
