Lester Wessels

Lester Wessels, age 80, of New Rockford, ND, died Friday February 11, 2011, at his home in New Rockford.

Lester Live Wessels was born August 3, 1930, at McVille, ND, the son of Heye and Ragna (Skogley) Wessels.  He grew up on the family farm north of Tolna, ND, until they later moved to a farm north of Hamar, ND.  Lester worked on the family farm and also for area farmers as a young man.  

 

On November 20, 1951, Lester entered the US Army and served during the Korean War.  He was discharged with the rank of Sergeant in September of 1953, awarded a Korean Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars, and transferred to the Army Reserve to complete 8 years of service.

Lester returned to the Warwick area where he continued to work many years for area farmers & ranchers.  On September 11, 1959, Lester was united in marriage to Rose Graywind at Devils Lake, ND.  They divorced in 1978.  He moved to Sheyenne, ND, and lived there until moving to New Rockford in 2001.

He was a member of Raymond B. Thorn American Legion Post #30, New Rockford. 

He is survived by one brother, Eugene Wessels, Rolla, ND; one sister Margaret (Larry) Braaten, Cando, ND; and many nieces and nephews. 

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Henry, Arney, Don and Ray, and one sister Myrtle.

 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick, ND

DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM

INTERMENT: Tolna Cemetery, Tolna, ND


Posted Condolences:

 

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Name: Marian Wessels/Dotson

Date: 3/19/11

Message: Sorry to hear about Lester. emailed Brent as he is at sea. Will talk to Kyle and Kevin Wessels soon..

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Name: Gerald Skogley

Date: 2/15/11

Message: Was sorry tro read about Lester's passing in the Bismarck Tribune this morning. I don't remember a lot about him - last saw him at his mother's funeral. We send our condolences from the Skogley family (I have sent letters to those of us who are left). Sorry we can't be at the funeral.

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Name: Betty Loe Westby

Date: 2-14-11

Message: I am so sorry to learn of Lester's death. What a nice man. I have enjoyed visiting with him since he moved to New Rockford and he has attended services at First Lutheran. He was a quiet gentle man who always seemed so genuine and caring, and always had a kind word and a smile for all. We had "Warwick" in common and I remember the Wessels family; mostly Don and Arney's I guess because of the "kids". You all have my sympathy. I planned to attend his funeral and then reminded myself that I need to take my cousin to a doctor appointment in Devils Lake that day. I will be with you in spirit.

Betty (Loe) Westby