Shivangi Sinha
Melissa Lamesch’s untimely passing in November 2020 was devastating for her family. Her parents, Gustave Lamesch III and Deanna Lamesch, along with her siblings, Cassie Baal, Karl Lamesch, Bryan Lamesch, and Julialyn Shedd, struggled to comprehend the loss of a daughter and sister who was just days away from welcoming a baby they had eagerly anticipated. The family later spoke publicly about their grief and search for answers in CBS’ ‘48 Hours: The Firefighter’s Secret.’ They used the platform to shed light on Melissa’s case and to ensure her story and the truth surrounding her death reached a wider audience.
Melissa Lamesch’s Family Struggled Emotionally After Her Passing
Melissa Lamesch’s parents, Gustave Lamesch III and Deanna Lamesch, were looking forward to 2020 with excitement as Melissa prepared to welcome her baby. As her pregnancy progressed, however, the family noticed a shift in Matthew Plote’s behavior. They later said his attitude toward Melissa became colder and increasingly rude. Melissa’s sister, Cassie Baal, was the last person to speak with her. The two spoke at length on November 25, 2020, and made plans to meet the following day for Thanksgiving. That meeting never happened. Melissa was killed later that day, and the shock of losing her so suddenly left the family devastated.
Her other siblings, Karl Lamesch, Bryan Lamesch, and Julialyn Shedd, were equally shattered by the loss. Karl and Cassie both shared their concerns about Plote with the police, but meaningful movement in the case took months. Deanna later said she lived in a constant state of fear after Melissa’s death, unable to escape the anxiety of what had happened. Gustave spoke about being unable to return to the house, saying it was too painful to see the place where he had found his daughter and her cat, Antonio. Cassie also described struggling with guilt, feeling as though she should have done something to stop what happened to her sister.
Gustave Lamesch III Shares a Close Bond With His Kids and Grandkids
Gustave Lamesch III completed his early education at St. Francis High School in 1984. He later attended the College of DuPage before continuing his studies at Northern Illinois University. It was during his time at Northern Illinois University that he met Deanna Lamesch, and the two eventually began a relationship and married. In January 2001, Gustave started working as an Off-Ice Hockey Official Penalty Box Attendant for the Rockford IceHogs. He later joined Windmill Hill LLC and worked in the Property Management Department. Originally from Wheaton, Illinois, Gustave now lives in Byron, Illinois, where he works as a Building Engineer.
Gustave and Deanna have since ended their marriage, and he appears to be single. In recent years, his primary focus has been his children and grandchildren, whom he prioritizes above all else. He is frequently present for family milestones and meaningful occasions, valuing time spent together. Despite profound personal loss, Gustave continues to center his life around family and close relationships.
Deanne Lamesch is Working as a Special Education Teacher Today
Deanna Lamesch has built a long career in education, disability services, and community support. She began her professional path in the early 1990s, working as an on-air personality at WKDI Radio from 1990 to 1992, while completing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Production at Northern Illinois University between 1988 and 1992. She later earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Illinois University from 2000 to 2002, followed by an LBS1 endorsement in Special Education from National Louis University in 2019–2020. From 1992 to 2001, Deanna worked at Palm Coast Data/Kable Media Services, holding multiple roles, including Account Executive and administrative positions.
Between 2002 and 2004, she served as a Habilitation Technician with Kreider Services, assisting adults with disabilities. She then moved into education support roles, working as a Teacher Aide and Paraprofessional with the Oregon Community Unit School District from 2004 to 2007, and later with Meridian Community School District and Lee/Ogle ROE #47 through 2012. Deanna continued expanding her work in special education, serving as an Office Support Specialist at Northern Illinois University from 2012 to 2014, followed by roles as an Instructional Assistant and Paraprofessional with DeKalb School District #428 and Easterseals between 2015 and 2016.
From 2017 to 2023, she was a Special Education Teacher at Camelot – Northwest Center for Autism. Since August 2023, she has worked full-time as a Special Education Teacher with DeKalb CUSD428, specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Alongside this, she has remained employed since November 2005 as a Field Auditor/Data Collector with RetailData, LLC. Deanna holds multiple professional certifications, including Emergency Medical Dispatch, Fire Service Dispatch, and Law Enforcement Dispatch credentials, and received the LGBT Ally Award from Northern Illinois University in April 2014. Today, she prioritizes time with her family and is balancing her professional commitments with being present for her children and grandchildren.
Melissa Lamesch’s Siblings Have Always Honored Her Memory
Cassie Baal is based in Pekin, Illinois. She graduated from Sauk Valley Community College and later earned her degree from Western Governors University. Between October 2010 and August 2012, she worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Pinecrest Retirement Community and was also employed at Plum Hollow. Cassie and her husband have built their lives in Pekin, where they are raising their three children: Kolbe Patrick, Maddison Elizabeth, and their youngest. She has remained closely engaged with developments in her sister’s case. Bryan Lamesch attended Bel Air Academy and has worked for the ACME Corporation. He is known to be very devoted to his nieces and nephews. Karl Lamesch is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and has spoken publicly about his sister’s case, while largely keeping details of his personal life private.
