Kay Lester
September 27, 1937 ~ August 12, 2014
Kay Frances Lester, age 76 of New Hampton, Iowa passed away peacefully at the New Hampton Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on August 12, 2014. She was surrounded by her loving family as she departed into the Lord’s Welcoming Arms.
A memorial service will be held 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton. Inurnment will follow at the New Hampton City Cemetery.
Friends may greet the family from 1:00 – 3:30 on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home in New Hampton.
Kay was born September 27, 1937 in Renwick, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence and Adah (Packard) Erwin. She graduated from Renwick High School in 1955. While attending school, Kay was a Majorette for the high school marching band, a cheerleader and played 6 on 6 basketball.
On October 15, 1955 at the Methodist Church in Renwick, Iowa, Kay was united in marriage to Don Lester of Goldfield, Iowa. To this union five children were born, Curtis, Rick, David, Julie and Scott. In 1958, Kay and Don moved to a farm northeast of New Hampton. The couple later sold the farm in 1974 and moved to town. Kay and Don were married 53 years when he suddenly passed away on December 21, 2008.
After they moved to town, Kay became a school bus driver for the New Hampton Community School District – a position that she held for 27 years. Many friendships were made with the students and their parents from her bus route.
Kay was a member of the First United Methodist Church of New Hampton, where church members remember the fun and fellowship when Kay was around. She volunteered for many things in her church, especially setting up the dining area for various church diners, just don’t ask her to roll silverware.
Family was the most important and cherished part of Kay’s life. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kay’s sister, Judy, was a best friend and the two of them could and would laugh for hours. Kay was a people person, who had a lot of friends. A contagious laugh and a great sense of humor were two of Kay’s enduring traits.
If Kay had to choose between being indoors or outdoors, Kay would pick the outdoors, unless it was cold outside. Around their home, Kay had beautiful flowers and plants. She also knew the names of each one. She loved birds, especially goldfinches, hummingbirds and cardinals, and often fed them in her backyard. She had a special talent for identifying birds by their song and could often imitate their sound. She loved the parrot in the nursing home.
When she was indoors, Kay was a great cook. Luckily her recipes have been passed down to her family. Kay’s favorite food was ice cream. She had a talent for fine crocheted artwork and even crocheted the Christmas tree ornaments and stockings for her family. A person always knew what holiday was around the corner by the decorations in Kay’s house.
Kay and Don were excellent partners for dancing, roller-skating and square dancing. When Kay’s much beloved husband was alive, they loved to golf in couple’s tournaments. If it was a weekend you knew they were playing golf together. Kay also played in 2,3, or 4 gal best-shot tournaments with her friends. (Often 2 – 4 times a week – all over Northern Iowa) The golf gods blessed her with two hole-in-ones!
Playing cards was another favorite pastime of Kay. She enjoyed playing 500, rummy and poker games with her friends.
Kay traveled many roads. These roads were traveled by car, school bus and golf cart. Now Kay has traveled her last journey, home to the arms of the Lord and to her family and friends who have preceded her to heaven.
Kay was survived by her three children; Rick (Chris) Lester of Quincy, IL, Julie (Steve) Lang of New Hampton, IA, Scott (Peggy) Lester of New Hampton; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; one sister, Judy Eechoff of Sibley, IA.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Clarence and Adah Erwin; her husband Don Lester in 2008; her two sons, Curtis Lester in 1991, David Lester at 6 months old.
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My sincerest condolences to Kay’s family.
She was great person and we loved her. We will miss her.
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Lester family.
To all of Kay’s family: My sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. I always enjoyed the short little visits I had with Kay. She was such a nice person,
Scott and family. Julie and family, Rick and family, We are sadden to hear of the passing of Kay. She was a lovely Lady, full of love and Grace. We are sending our Love and Prayers to all of you. Mike and Judy Anderson, Bristol Va.
George, Bette And Mary Ann lit a candle in memory of Kay Frances Lester
our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones, Kay always stop and visited. a delightful person, she will be missed
Dear Scott and family; Julie and family; Rick and family You are in our prayers and we send our sympathy to all. Your Mom and Dad were good neighbors and good friends . Dan & Jean Scott
Our sympathy to the Lester family. Our prayers are with you. We had such good times knowing your parents as we golfed many times through the years with them. Stan and Ginny Laures
Our deepest sympathy to the Lester family. Thoughts, and prayers, for all of you….. Ellen McCurry and Families
Scott, Peggy and entire Lester family; So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother….It is difficult to go through no matter how old you are. Cherish your memories. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Thoughts and prayers to all of Kay’s family and friends, Larry & Marcia PItzenberger
Thoughts and prayers to the Lester family. Kay was our bus driver for the majority of my bus riding years. She always greeted you with a smile. It takes a special and dedicated person to drive bus for the number of years she did.
My thoughts and Prayers to the Lester Family, this time when one has to say good-bye to a loved one. Remembering all the fun and great times shared will help. My sincere Sympathy. Dorma Rusbult
I will miss visiting with Kay. She was a beautiful ,fun, kind and caring person. My sincere sympathy to her entire family.
Deb,Roger,Nicole Mohring lit a candle in memory of Kay Frances Lester
Kay was a beautiful lady – inside and out. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Scott, Peggy and family and the rest of the Lester family. Fondly, Laura, Ron, Will and Andrew Frantzen – Ames, Ia
Scott, Peg & the entire Lester family–You have our deepest sympathy at this time of the loss of a special person. Duane & Pat Lynch
Both your parents were special people who will be missed.
To Julie and the entire Lester family…you have our sincerest and deepest sympathy during this time of great loss. May God comfort you as you move forward… Leon and Linda Zeien
Julie, Steve, and family and Scott, Peggy, and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. So sorry I will miss the memorial, my Aunt passed away and the funeral is Saturday. Sending hugs!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Barb Havlik
My Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Lester family….my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
I had a chance to meet and spend time with Ms. Kay at the fredricksburg assisted living. She was always beautifully dressed. She loved when I took her outside. She loved to walk. I also, caught back up with her at the new hampton care center where she would be walking and I would always ask her’how is Ms Kay today’. She always smiled and said fine and continued walking. She was a very loving person, whom I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing. She will be missed by all who knew her. Prayers to her family. Robin Laube
Scott,Peggy & family, Our deepest sympathy and prayers for you all . Keeping the memories close and her in your heart will help you all through this time…
Our deepest sympathy to Kay’s family. Lance and Jan Manson
To Kay’s family-My sincere sympathy to all of you at this time. You have wonderful memories and now, another special angel, watching over you. Kay was a great person and she will be missed. Julie (Randall) Nemmers, Spencer, Iowa
Thoughts and Prayers to the Lester Family. Very sad to hear the news of Kay’s passing. It was an honor and a joy to get to know her and to be a part of taking care of her. I worked in Fredericksburg when I got to know her, She was the Best dancing partner!! I will miss that beautiful smile. Chris P.
Lester And Joyce Shatek lit a candle in memory of Kay Frances Lester
So very sorry for your loss. She was one great lady
We are saddened to hear the news of Kays passing. Take comfort in all the wonderful memories.
Carma Bouska lit a candle in memory of Kay Frances Lester
Lester Family: My deepest sympathy to the Lester family. I enjoyed your mother so much. Her smile was contagious. May she rest in peace playing golf in heaven with dad.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts are of you and family in this time of grief. Darrel Lang
To all of the Lester Family,our thoughts and prayers are with you.Kay was such a special person and will always be remembered for her smile and her friendship.We are sure you have many great memories to help at this time,and yes I’ll bet Don and Kay are teeing off right now. May she rest in peace.Marian and Tom
My thoughts are with your precious family at this difficult time. Please know that I am thinking of the Lester family. Take care.
Our deepest sympathy to the Lester family Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest sympathy to Kay’s children and grandchildren. I was fortunate to have been at NH NRC recently and Kay seemed to often stop in at Mom’s room when she was wandering the hallways. I will remember what a warm smile she always had on her face. The husband and wife golf tournaments in heaven will have two new competitors. May she rest in peace! Joe and Sharon Haskovec
My deepest sympathies to the Lester family. Don and Kay together again I’m sure will bring some comfort at this sad time.
Condolences to all the Lester family on your loss. Keep sharing her life story especially with the little ones.
My thoughts and prayers to your family. May her memories carry you through this time. She was a great person and I had the pleasure of knowing her and Don at many golf outings. Jeanne Roder
Scott – I’m so sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Ann
Kay was a great and funny women it’s a honor I got to meet her at nhnrc she will be missed. Jim
To the entire Lester family, You all have our deepest sympathy and we are keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers. Hold onto all of those wonderful memories. She will be your guardian angel and will always be watching over you. I bet your dad has her golfing already! We are so sorry for your loss. Dan, Peg Testroet & The Treasure Chest Gang from Comp Systems.
Was sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. She was our bus driver & truly one of the nicest ladies. Thinking of your family & sending prayers your way. Sherry Grober
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Kay as she was the ‘fun’ bus driver. On school field trips, we’d always try to get on the bus she drove as she always greeted us with a warm smile and a friendly hello. Sending you sympathies in this difficult time. Angie (Schwickerath) Haskovec
To Scott and your entire family, our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. Words are never enough at these times but knowing Kay is at peace and with your memories that will last forever, we hope this helps to comfort you. A mother can not be replaced. Moms spend their lifetime wiping away tears, cleaning cuts and scrapes and being a negotiator during sibling squabbles!! Moms never stop being moms. It doesn’t matter how old we get we are still a child to our moms. We are truly sorry for your loss. Pam and James Dunwald
Sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. Thoughts and prayers go with all of you. Linda Langin Hugh
Cindy & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find pease and comfort through these troubling times. Reg Rowsey
I am sorry to hear of Kay’s passing. She was a warm person and good neighbor. You have my sympathies. Glen, Laura, Jenny Schwickerath
Rick I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending a hug your way.
I am saddened to hear of Kay’s passing. She was such a lovely woman, full of laughter and love for her family and friends. She will now be at peace. Kris meyer
My thoughts are with your family as you celebrate Kay’s life. She was such a great lady, and will be greatly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Love to you all. Rachel Ysbrand
I am sad to see Kay has passed. What a beautiful person she was and leaves behind a wonderful family to remember her. Kay was always a sharp person that dressed to a tee. May she rest in peace and I pray her children and grandchldren will also remember how Kay loved to watch and play left,right, center at holiday times. I prayed for her. You will be missed.
Scott, Peggy and family. I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You have our deepest sympathy.