Obituary: Ricky G. Lester

SOLDOTNA, ALASKA - Ricky G. Lester died Nov. 25, 2002, in Soldotna, Alaska. Rick was born Jan. 22, 1951, in Madison, the son of Bob and Betty Lester. After graduating from Central High, Rick served in Vietnam with the U.S. Air Force. While in the service, he developed his trade as a welder. Rick worked at Stainless Steel in Cottage Grove for many years as a welder and supervisor. Rick had a real talent as a skilled carpenter; he built his first home in Cottage Grove. Rick and his family moved to Soldotna in 1999, and built a beautiful log home. He also owned and operated The Twisted Root, where he made custom, unique wood/stick furnishing. His work was well known in the Alaska area. Rick loved the outdoors and the beauty of the country; he will be missed by all. Survivors include his wife, Donna; four children, Trina, Ryan, Shantelle and Jacob; his mother, Betty Lester of Iowa; and five siblings, Debbie (Bob) McIntosh, Randy (Barb) Lester, Cindy (Neal) Griffin, Chris (Clayton) Kramer, Kim (Carlos) Lerma, also many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Bob (Claire) Lester. Services will be held at MONONA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Dr. Madison, lead by Pastor Pekari, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., memorial will be from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 1, 2002; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)