Lester Leroy Schliebe, 85, of Redfield, SD, was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. His funeral will be Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Redfield. Reverend Peter M. Utecht will officiate. After a time for fellowship and lunch the burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Aberdeen. Visitation will be Friday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Lester was born April 8, 1924 in Columbia, SD to Fred and Ottilie (Wagner) Schliebe.
He was baptized April 27, 1924 and confirmed April 2, 1939 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Columbia. He attended school at Columbia and Aberdeen. Lester served in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Pennsylvania, as a machinist 2nd class, during WWII from 1942-1945. After his discharge, he was employed at KO Lee in Aberdeen. Lester married Irene Adeline Louisa Petrich on April 19, 1945 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aberdeen. They farmed in the Northville area for many years. After retiring from farming, he worked at SDDC-Redfield. After his second retirement, Lester and Irene became avid campers and snowbirds. They spent many falls and winters in the state of Texas. They visited all fifty states and Mexico.

Lester was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mansfield and Messiah Lutheran Church in Redfield. He was a lifetime member of VFW and American Legion. He was also involved in Crop Improvement, Township Board, Lions Club and Northville School Board for many years.

Lester enjoyed his work, fishing, hunting, making crafts and coin collecting. But mostly, Les enjoyed being with his family and friends.

Lester is survived by his wife, of sixty-four years, Irene, his daughters: Charlyn (William) Beardemphl of Ashton, Patricia (John) Groft of Northville, and Celeste Heber of Windham, ME; his grandchildren: Kelly Beardemphl, Korey (Roxane) Beardemphl, Kraig (Erin) Beardemphl, Lesli (Ken) Dinger, Jami (Shawn) Groft, Toni (Ernie) Schnoor, Mikki (Tanya) Groft, Jessi (Eric) Engels, Joesph Heber, Elizabeth (Jason) Gaudet, John Paul (Holly Marshall) Heber. He is also survived by his great grandchildren: Danielle (Adam) Piehl, Deion Beardemphl, Taylor and Torey Beardemphl, Sophia Beardemphl, Dustin, Mason and Kerwyn Dinger, Morghan, Jake, Jedd and Joe Groft, Dexten Frericks, Saven, Grasen, Logen and Courtlen Lechner, Kobryant, Kyler and Keanna Groft, Mackenzie, Gabrielle and Eddisen Engels and Triten Heber and great-great grandchildren: Lorelai and Adeline Piehl and Dawsyn Dinger.

Lester also is survived by his sisters: Violet Gronso of Aberdeen, SD; Lucille Jensen and Myrna (LeRoy) Gugel of Portland, OR; and his brothers: Gerald (Arlyce) of Missoula, MT; Derald (Evelyn) of Oregon; Lyle (Joyce) of Ocean Shore, WA and Vernon (Dottie) of Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Marvin and Donald, his sister Augusta Kotila and a great granddaughter Mollie Gaudet.