In his younger years, he was a member of the New Richland Fire Department. Lester remained very enthusiastic about the Minneapolis-Moline Collectors Club and enjoyed reading his quarterly Prairie Gold Rush magazine. Lester looked forward to entering his restored Moline tractors in the annual New Richland Farm and City Days parade. He was a soft-spoken and caring man who will be missed by many.
Lester is survived by his children, Diane (Rich) Wesely of Bloomington, Daryl (Judi) Wenzel of Omaha, NE, Craig (Lesley) Wenzel of New Richland; grandchildren, Erin (John) Schultz, Grant (Tamara) Wesely, Erica (Jonny) Becker, Lauren Wenzel, Bryan Wenzel, Lynsey (TJ) Lindholm, Kyle (Laura) Wenzel; great-grandchildren, Austin and Mila Wesely, Jack, Andrew, and George Schultz, Olivia Becker, Aiden and Brody Lindholm; sisters, Lorraine (Winston) Evenson, Arlene (Rodney) Johnson; sisters and brothers in-law, Ann and Gene Yackle, Audrey Stafford, Edna Wenzel, Thelma Kormann, Betty Kormann, Audrinne Kormann, Harlan & Ginny Kormann, Barb and Harlen Beyer; special friend, Eleanor Schlaak; as well as many other relatives.
Lester is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marian Wenzel; brother, William W. Wenzel; and many brothers and sisters in-law.