Lester Fryett

Lester Fryett, 82, of Florence, South Dakota, passed away on September 29, 2025, at the Prairie Lakes Hospital. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on October 11, 2025, at Furness Funeral Home in Clark. Following visitation, burial will take place at Prairie Hill Cemetery in Bradley, SD, where military honors will be held. A meal and time of fellowship will be held following the interment at the Hartman Community Center. Furness Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements for Mr. Fryett.

Lester Lee Fryett was born on September 6, 1943, to Vera Anne (Edwards) and Robert Harry Fryett in Bradley, South Dakota. He was baptized at Bradley, and grew up on the family farm north of town. Les graduated in 1962, quickly joining the United States Navy and proudly serving his country on the USS Locator, which was based out of San Francisco, California which served as a means of early warning detection. During his time in the Navy, Les served as an Engineman 3rd class Petty Officer.

In October of 1965, Les was united in marriage to Mary Selchert, although the couple later divorced. To this union, two children were born-Kimberly Ann Fryett Lewis, and Monte Lee Fryett. The family lived in Watertown, where Les had Les's Auto Repair Shop for many years. Weekends were spent camping and waterskiing on Lake Kampeska.

Les later moved to Mitchell to work for Coca Cola as a fleet manager. There he met Kelli Kitto and her family, and their friendship and many adventures together began. Playing darts, bowling, camping, fishing, and remodeling houses were regular past times for the pair. Les often remarked "These are my two best friends, Kelli and Josie. We all take care of each other!"

Les will be remembered as a life-long mechanic. He had the amazing ability to fix anything that came his way. For many years he helped Kelli with daycare, often remarking that he enjoyed the challenge because, "Kids keep you young!" Les loved cars, shooting pool, and especially fishing for walleye.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Vera Fryett, sisters Mavis (Hubert) Valberg, Joyce Mathison, Alta (Floyd) Rick, Fran (Bud) Claussen, and Veneta (Pete) Diede, and former wife, Mary Selchert.

He is survived by his children: Kimberly Fryett (Darin) Lewis and Monte (Deann Shortsle) Fryett; Grandchildren: Robert Nicole (Schwig) Lewis, Kacy (Taten Rau) Lewis, Tanner Fryett, Seth Fryett and Brea Fryett; Great-Grandchildren: Bennett Lewis and John Rau; Best Friends Kelli Kitto and Josie Kitto; and many nieces and nephews.

In Lieu of flowers memorials donations may be made to the Senior Citizens Center in Watertown.

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