Lester Boe, 101, of Ottawa, died on Tuesday morning, September 5, 2017 at the Illinois Veteran’s Home, in LaSalle. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa, with Rev. Tim Johnson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the Sheridan American Legion. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the church, on Saturday. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Lester was born on July 27, 1916 in Wallace Township, to Hans and Tillie (Dale) Boe. He farmed in Wallace and Rutland Townships, and worked for Caterpillar in Aurora until his retirement. He then drove a school bus for the Serena School District for a number of years. Lester was a member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church, and the LaSalle County Farm Bureau. He married Esther Johnson on November 17, 1945 in Hauge Lutheran Church in Chicago. She died on February 23, 2015. He attended the one room school house of Wallace Township through 8th grade. Lester served as a US Army mechanic in Europe during WWII from 1941-1945. He participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Naples, and Normandy. Lester loved farm life, attending the Sandwich Fair, and threshing antique farm toy shows. He created many models of antique farm equipment. Lester enjoyed camping and fishing. He enjoyed going to McDonald’s daily for coffee breaks. Lester loved the Lord, faithfully attended church, and enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by 4 children, Eugene (Gudrun) Boe, of Fergus Falls, MN, Ruth (Larry) Stanford, of Ottawa, Russell (Nancy) Boe, of Ottawa, and Judy (Kevin) Snook, of Ottawa, 9 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Esther, 4 brothers Howard, Tyler, Clarence and Henry Boe, 3 sisters, Myrtle Alsvig, Alma Osthus, and Marie Low, and 4 siblings in infancy. Pallbearers will be Mark Boe, Chris Snook, Richard Snook, Tom Lamb, Joe Steffen, Ryan Erkenbrack, David Narvesen, and Amir BenZvi.
Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa or to the donor’s choice.
Lester has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.