Leo Lester
Leo Robert Lester, 89 of Goldfield, Iowa, passed away Thursday, February 4 at Trinity Regional
Medical Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Leo, one of ten children, was born on October 15, 1931 to Harry and Beatrice (Jones) Lester on a
farm northeast of Goldfield. Leo attended Liberty #6 country school then graduated from Goldfield
High School in 1950. He was inducted into the U.S. Army on September 19, 1952 and served in
Korea. After leaving the military in 1954, Leo hauled milk then began farming. On September 15,
1956, Leo married Beverly Ann Nelson in Renwick, Iowa. They made their home and raised a family
on the family farm northwest of Goldfield. Leo and Bev owned the Goldfield Cheese Mart for 5 1/2
years. Leo was a member of the United Methodist Church of Goldfield.
Leo and Bev traveled with their family to Nashville, the Smoky Mountains, Alaska and annually to
Las Vegas. They enjoyed visiting their daughters Susie in Colorado and Rhonda and her family
in Idaho and Washington. Leo was a member of the Oakridge Recreation Association where he
enjoyed golfing with his friends and family. Leo also enjoyed playing cards in the local card club with
his friends. He served many years on the Goldfield Farmers’ Elevator board. Leo retired from farming
in 2002.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years Bev; daughters Rhonda Smith (Curt) of Hayden, Idaho, and
Susan Lester of Denver, Colorado; granddaughters Hayley Smith (Tony) of Bellingham, Washington
and Jill Smith (Dusty) of Boise, Idaho; sisters Arlene Terhark (Curtis) of St. Ansgar, Iowa and Patricia
McKnight of Brandon, South Dakota; sisters-in-law Patricia Lester from Minnesota, Lavonne Lester of
Arkansas, Shirley Gudenschwager from Orchard, Nebraska, Dianne Lawson from Osceola, Iowa;
brother-in-law Bernard Nelson from Renwick, Iowa and many nieces and nephews. Leo was
proceeded in death by his parents, Beatrice (Jones) and Harry Lester; brothers Derwin, Floyd,
Norman, and Arnold; sisters Verla, Marilyn, and Yvonne; sister-in-law Marvel Lester, Anne Nelson,
and Dian Nelson and brother-in-laws Virgil Darland, Ronald McKnight, Earl Nelson, Ernie
Gudenschwager, and Gerry Lawson.
Visitation is Monday, Feb. 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Foust Funeral Home in Eagle Grove
with funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Burial in Glenwood Cemetery, Goldfield.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family. www.foustfh.com
Foust Funeral Homes, Eagle Grove and Goldfield
Category:
The Eagle Grove Eagle
The Eagle Grove Eagle
P.O. Box 6
304 West Broadway
Eagle Grove, IA 50533
Phone: 1-515-448-4745
FAX: 1-515-448-3182
Email: news@eaglegroveeagle.com
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