Lester was born July 6, 1915 in Highland Township, Winneshiek County, Iowa to John Thomas and Emma (Forde) Allen. He attended the Grindeland School near Hesper. He was married to Lillian Newgard. They later divorced. He farmed in the Riceford, Minnesota and Hesper, Iowa areas and later did carpentry and worked for area farmers. He was fascinated with all types of machinery and making farm toys. He enjoyed horses, music, fishing, attending Hesper-Mabel Steam Engine Days and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Lester passed away Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the Aase Haugen Home in Decorah, Iowa at the age of 98.
Lester is survived by son-in-law Arlan Forde of Decorah; two granddaughters Arlene (Rick) Boynton of Eyota, Minnesota, and Audrey (Larry) Cleveland of Lime Springs, Iowa; great grandchildren Bryce, Bryant, Brandon, and Ben Boynton, Breanna McClintock, Dustin Klimesh, and Chrysta Steinlage; step-great grandchildren Heather Alden, Brad Boynton, Eric Boynton, and Dave Cleveland; and eighteen great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Marjorie Forde; his parents; two brothers Irvin and Vernon; and three sisters Bernice Henningsgaard, Esther Henningsgaard, and Doris Newgard.
Funeral services will be 2 PM, Saturday, July 5, 2014 at the Hesper Lutheran Church in Hesper, Iowa with the Rev. Matt Larson officiating. Burial will be in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be noon until the time of services on Saturday at the church. |
