Age 85, of St. Paul Lester attended Johnson High School, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1951. He worked for 37 years as a pharmacist at Gray's Drug where he was a co-owner since 1976. Gray's Campus Drug under Lester was an institution in Dinkytown with its pharmacy and grill serving as home to thousands including Bob Dylan who lived upstairs. Lester was a member of the Minnesota State Pharmaceutical Association and Past President of the Minnesota Pharmacy Alumni Society. He served 4 years as a member of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy including serving as Vice President. He was a member of the Century Mortar Club, serving on the Board of Directors and a member of the National Association of Retail Druggists, a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, Phi Delta Chi, Jewish War Veterans and a Member of Temple of Aaron Synagogue. Lester was was preceded in death by parents, Leah and Israel Hackner, sister Carrol and brother-in-law, Sonny Zukerman, brother Irwin, nephew Marc Polikoff and grandniece, Amy Harer. He is survived by his nieces Nancy Polikoff, Ilene (Jay) Goldberg, Bennett (Mona) Hackner, Gayle Hackner, Leah (John) Nemzeh and Ira (Denise) Hackner, and grand-nieces and nephews Teri (Todd) Brown, Chad (Jamie) Goldberg, Adam Goldberg, and Lawrence Harer, as well as great-nieces and nephews, Sam and Abby Harer, Jacob and Lindsey Brown, and Peter Goldberg. Lester's family wants to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at Abbott Northwestern Hospital for their wonderful care, compassion and understanding during the final weeks of his life. Special thanks to Dr. Ronald Kaufman, Dr. David Fine and Susan at Home Instead. Funeral service 10:30 am FRIDAY at the TEMPLE OF AARON SYNAGOGUE, 616 So. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Century Mortar Club at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 or donor's favorite charity. SHIVA, 7 pm Saturday at Sholom Home East, 740 Kay Ave., St. Paul 55102. Hodroff- Epstein 651-698-8311 www.hodroffepstein.com
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3 Entries
Dear Nancy, Ilene, Jay 'n all of Lester's Family:
He was a wonderful individual with an infectious smile 'n a great dancing partner whenever the opportunity presented itself i.e. Family Weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, etc. Lester was one of the kindest, nicest friends any one could have. He's remembered well. My sincerest sympathies to the entire family.
Peggy Kane
May 9, 2013
To my darling Lester. You were like my older brother. I will hold dear all the wonderful memories of gardening, picking the tomatoes and cooking tons of pasta sauce. What great meals we shared. I loved when you came along on my little buying trips.You had a good eye for beauty.You were a man of few word, but had a vary good listening ear.We shared the wonderful theater and wine tasting parties for the last nine years.
I will cherish the time we spent together. you were a great friend and I will miss you.
Loretta Gosse
May 9, 2013
Uncle Lester, you did it your way. You will be missed by all of us who were lucky to know you and love you.
suzo
May 9, 2013
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