Danny C. Lester

Dan Lester, an awesome husband, dad, and grandpa, passed away at home on Saturday morning, February 6, 2010. His loving family was at his side to take his final steps with him. Dan was born in Rochester, New York on November 5, 1948, son of the late William Lester and Marcia (Montford) Lester who currently lives in Oregon. Following his graduation from high school, Dan enlisted in the United States Navy, and served from 1968 until 1972. He was trained in instrument repair and technical repair of A-6 Aircraft, and spent time aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Following his discharge, he married the former Mary Kay Jackels in Illinois on February 15, 1972. At that time, Dan began work at a TV repair shop in the area. Later, he also worked at Rich's Products in Appleton as an electrician. However, his most recent work was as an electrical engineer at Kimberly Clark.

For many years, Dan was an amateur radio enthusiast, and even in his final days, when he was too tired to broadcast, he often spent time listening to his countless friends converse. Dan also loved absolutely anything to do with computers and electronics – he was a whiz with that kind of thing. In recent years, he also became a bicycling enthusiast, riding hundreds and hundreds of miles on Wisconsin roads. Just last summer, he organized a ride to help raise cancer awareness, and give others the strength to fight cancer, and he himself rode the sixty-three miles from Waupun to his doctor's appointment in Madison. Dan didn't have a single ounce of quit in him.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Kay Lester of Freedom; his mother: Marcia Lester of Rogue River, Oregon; a daughter: Gina Lester of Green Bay; two sons: Jon (Sally) Lester of Three Lakes and their daughters Megan and Macy; and Mike (Katie) Lester of Watersmeet, Michigan and their children Hunter and Kylie; his mother-in-law: Bernice Jackels of Darboy; and six brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Linda (Florian) Van Handel of Freedom; Bob (LeeAnn) Jackels of Kaukauna; Bill (Karen) Jackels of Black Creek; Joe (Lisa) Jackels of Kaukauna; Pam (Jerry) Sturm of DePere; and Tony (Beth) Jackels of Sherwood. Dan is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father William Lester, his father-in-law Louis Jackels, and a niece Tracy Van Handel.

The memorial funeral liturgy for Dan will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, February 12, 2010 at ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, W2037 County Road S in Freedom, with Fr. Dave Hoffman officiating. Friends may call at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service. Complete military honors will follow the services in church.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the many caregivers who watched over Dan during his illness, especially the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton and the UW Hospital and Clinics in Madison. We will never forget your kindness.

Peace to you, my sweet, loving partner. Your memory will forever be in my heart. I love you. – Mary Kay.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-6200