Leo R. 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

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