Lester Hackbarth

Lester Hackbarth, 80, of Belmond, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in Belmond, with Pastor Nancy Hofmeister officiating. Burial will take place in Graceland Cemetery in Rowan.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Tuesday.
Lester Lee Hackbarth, son of Herbert and Mabel (Graff) Hackbarth, was born on the family farm outside of Rowan, Iowa. He cherished many fond memories of his childhood, especially playing softball in the pasture with his siblings and neighborhood friends.
Lester graduated from Belmond High School in 1963. After high school, he attended classes at the local junior college and went on to work as a bookkeeper at a grocery store. He later began his career at Sunstrand in Ames, where he remained dedicated for many years.
A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Lester first followed the games on the radio and later enjoyed watching them on television. He especially loved attending games with his brother, David.
Though he could be quiet, Lester had a great sense of fun and was known for his sharp memory. He always remembered the birthdays and special dates of his siblings and those close to him.
He is survived by his sisters Mary Lester of Belmond, Charlotte Pals of Belmond and Katherine Hoopingarner of Belmond and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Barbara Hackbarth, Betty Swanson, Shirely Southard, Herbert Hackbarth Jr., and David Hackbarth, sister-in-law Ellen Hackbarth, brothers-in-law Frank Lester, Raymond Swanson, Norman Pals, Leslie Southard, and Eugene Hoopingarner.