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Lester Holben Obituary
Lester was born Aug. 14, 1932, in Hulett, Wyo., to George A. and Pearl (Fowlkes) Holben, a two-generation pioneer family. His mother and father moved to Spearfish from Wyoming in 1941. He graduated from Spearfish High School in 1952, where he received the class Best Sportsman Award. He attended Black Hills State College for two years and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954, serving in the Philippines, Guam, Okinawa and Ellsworth AFB, where he was trained as a B-36 mechanic and received the Airman of the Month award. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Ferguson, in Laurens, Iowa, on June 16, 1963. He was also a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge and Naja Shrine Cowboy Patrol.
His brother Marston has said the best way to describe Lester is: "He loved his family, worked hard, had high integrity, had many friends and was the nicest guy he ever knew . . . bar none." He loved his life's work as a trucker and cattle rancher from which he retired in 1990. He always kept in touch with aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends. He will be missed by many and heaven is getting one super guy.
Lester is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Phyllis of Spearfish; two sons, Jim (Geni) and Dan (Marcie); grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary, Stran and Shaylie; his younger brother, Marston (Marian); and close friends, Bill (Emmy) Rollin and Dr. Forrest (Sharon) Brady and their children, Rachel and Dan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and younger brother, Melbourne.
A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Dar Berkenpas officiating. Private family burial will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established or donations may be sent to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lester Holben
6 Entries
S. McGregor
May 17, 2011
Just heard the news and can not tell you how sad my heart is. Lester was one of the best neighbors and kindest person I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers go out to Phyllis and his family at this time.
May 15, 2011
As a first cousin, I have known Lester since I was a little boy. He was a great comfort to me when my mother passed away. We had the most wonderful visit 3 years ago at the home in Spearfish. We shared our mutual respect and interest in the Masonic Lodge and the Shrine in addition to many other memories. Lester, you are now in that eternal house, that house not made with hands, in the heavens. My life is much richer because of our fellowship. Tom Shrewsbury, Hebron, Illinois
Mary Cramer
May 13, 2011
Lester was always helping with whatever project that came along. We enjoyed his company during the school year here in Camp Crook. We will miss him.
Arnold Jones
May 13, 2011
I too was a member of the Class Of !952, and can attest to the good, friendliness of Lester. My condolences to his family for thier loss.
Kris Dower
May 13, 2011
Holben Family: Thinking of you during this difficult time. God Bless
Dennis and Martha Van Vactor
May 13, 2011
Please accept our condolences.
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Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel - Spearfish450 7th St P.O. Box 487, Spearfish, SD 57783
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