Lester Gordon Peterson

CARR SETTLEMENT -- Lester Gordon Peterson, 91, of Carr Settlement, began his journey in Heaven at 8:45 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2017, surrounded with love by his family at Grand Oaks Nursing Center in Baldwin.

Lester was born on Jan. 13, 1926, to Nels and Hilda (Larson) Peterson in his family's log cabin in Carr Settlement. He grew up on the family farm and served his country, joining the U.S. Army on April 21, 1944, before finishing high school. Lester served during World War II, where he helped build and provide security for bridges and roads throughout Europe with the 1263rd Combat Engineer Unit. He later joined the U.S. Air Force as an airplane mechanic and crew chief for many types of aircraft for more than 21 years of service during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts.

He met the love of his life, Margaret Ann Brown, a beautiful young WAF (Women in the Air Force) while stationed in San Antonio. They met, fell in love and were married in less than three weeks in Natalia, Texas on Aug. 29, 1952. Lester's military career took them all over the world. He and Margaret were blessed with three children, Linda Diane, Donna Marie and Ronald Lynn.

Lester retired from the Air Force in January of 1968, and returned to the Peterson centennial farm which belonged to his grandparents, where they raised their family. He worked for the Lake County Road Commission, retiring after 20 years of service. Lester has been an active and highly respected member of his community and loved by all who came across his path. He was one-of-a-kind. No one could tell a better story or enjoy a good joke, even his own. He was the epitome of a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, uncle, brother and a friend. His loving spirit, kindness, honesty, gentle ways and joy-filled life were appreciated by all.

Lester is survived by his one true love, his wife, Margaret; and his children, Linda Diane Carroll and husband, Steve, of White Cloud, Donna Marie Austin and husband, Scott, of Algoma, Wis., and Ronald Lynn Peterson and wife, Lisa, of Valley Springs, Calif. He also is survived by his six grandchildren, Karen Whelpley, Michelle (Jason) Austin-Willard, Kathy (John) Smith, Bob (Jennie) Beemer, Connie Austin and Scott Peterson; 10 great-grandchildren, Alecia, Emily, Austin, Genevieve, Jacob, Avery, Joey, Bethany, Maggie and Noah; his loving nieces, nephews and cousins; and his loving family and friends.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Hilda; his brother, Frank; sisters, Caroline and Helen; and nieces, Bonita and Pat.

A memorial service for Lester will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017, at Evergreen Covenant Church, 7396 S. Evergreen Rd., Branch, with Pastor Keith Foisy officiating. Burial will follow with honor guard rites at Evergreen Cemetery, and a luncheon will take place afterwards at the Peacock VFW Post No. 5315 in Baldwin. Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday morning at the church. 

Those who wish to make a donation in memory of Lester are asked to consider Grand Oaks Nursing Center in Baldwin, the Honor Flight for WWII Veterans, or the Lake County Historical Society.

Please visit Lester's memory page at wymanfuneralservice.com to leave a tribute of Lester for his family or to light a candle in his memory.