Lester Floyd Peecher

In Loving Memory of Lester Floyd Peecher
Lester Floyd Peecher, affectionately known as Les, lived a long and fulfilling life of 96 years. Lester was born October 15, 1927. He went to his heavenly home on July 9, 2024. His journey was marked by a deep love for family, faith, country, the outdoors, and horses, and his legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 18 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Washburn - McReavy.
Washburn-McReavy Bloomington Chapel
2300 W. Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
Telephone: (952) 884-8145
Email: Info@washburn-mcreavy.com
There will be a private family funeral service on Friday followed by burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetary with Military Honors.
Memorial gifts can be given to Mount Hope Lutheran Church 3601 W Old Shakopee Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55431, or Health Partners Hospice.
Les served in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class from August 3, 1950, to September 1, 1953. His 3 years and 9 days of service included 1 year, 8 months, and 14 days stationed in Japan during the Korean War were he served a medic. His dedication and bravery were evident, and he earned the respect of his fellow airmen.
As a young man, Les had a special bond with his trained horse, Rocket. This passion for horses led him to earn a Certificate in Horseshoeing, and he worked as a farrier, traveling across the southern states. He shared his love of horses years later with his family when he purchased a shetland pony named Jingles. He taught his children how to care for and love horses, to harness and drive a pony cart, and saddle and ride a horse.
Les furthered his skills by attending Dunwoody Technical Institute, where he became a welder. He then dedicated nearly 30 years of his life working for Thermo King in Bloomington, showcasing his strong work ethic and commitment. Les was active in the United Steel Workers Union for most of his working career. His contributions in labor negotiations improved working conditions in the factory, increased wages, and added benefits such as health care for the local union.
Lester met and married Joyce Helen Lemke. Together, they had four children. They enjoyed over 60 years of married life. Joyce proceeded Lester in death in 2018.
The family was at the heart of Lester's life. He spent quality time with his children, teaching them to hunt, fish, ride motorcycles, waterski, garden, and care for animals. He loved spending time on the lake, catching panfish,or trolling for Northern Pike, often including his children and neighbor kids in these activities.
His love for family extended to in-laws, cousins, and many others. Monthly trips to visit relatives in the country were a cherished tradition.
When family members were ill, Lester made sure to bring his family to visit them at the hospital or nursing home and offer support and love.
Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings were lively and filled with love. Celebrations happened at Grandpa and Grandma Lemke's house. Lester would prepare turkey and dressing, sweet potatoes, and other dishes, while Joyce baked pies, buns, desserts, and salads Summer family reunions were always enjoyed. Country fried chicken was Les's specialty for these events. Les would fill his big green and white thermos with the best grape Kool-Aid. That was a summer favorite at reunions on hot summer days.
Summers also included a two week visit to Summerhill, Illinois to visit Grandma Nellie, and all of the Peecher aunts, uncles and cousins and friends. There are cherished memories of Les taking his kids to visit Alfred Lee's farm to feed the pigs, ride in the jeep and ride Alfred Lee's horses. Les would drive to Louisianna, Missouri to pick up catfish from the fish shack along the river for Uncle Chod. There was the visit to the fruit market in Alton, and drives in the country to see the old homesteads, creeks and places where Les spent time as he grew up.
A Peecher family tradition that was noted between Lester and his many brothers was a love of babies. Lester would often take a fussy baby at family gatherings. He would say, "You hand that baby to Uncle Les." And the weary mothers always did. They knew Uncle Les had a magic touch. Les would walk and pace just so and his big arms were as gentle as could be as he held the little bundles. If a rocking chair was available, you could be sure to see Lester rocking a little one to sleep.
Lester taught his children the value of hard work. He taught them how to tend a the garden, make jams and jellies, can green beans, and help fix and repair cars, boats, and do home repair projects. His teachings left a lasting impact on his family.
Faith played a significant role in Lester's life. He came to faith as an adult, and in 1985, he was baptized and confirmed, marking a profound commitment to God. His faith was a guiding force, providing strength and comfort throughout his life. He instilled the importance of faith in his children and led by example through his dedication to his beliefs and his church community.
In retirement, Lester and his wife Joyce spent nearly 20 years transforming their yard in Bloomington into a lovely Secret Garden for their children and grandchildren to explore and enjoy. This magical space was filled with hidden nooks, stone paths, vibrant flowers, and whimsical decorations, creating endless adventures and cherished memories for the family.
A favorite pass time was raspberry picking. As soon as the grandchildren were old enough, they learned to head to the garden, look for the bright red dots among the leave and pick and eat the juicy berries straight from the plants. When they were a bit older - old enough to hold a small container, they were always thrilled to help grandpa harvest the berry treasures from the garden. They would proudly carry their treasures to him for approval and loved that their berry treasures would be added to the bounty of a special grandpa supper.
The grandchildren always received a special treat from Grandpa Les at Christmas and other holidays or when he went to their house for a visit. He would always say, "Before you leave, Grandpa has something for you. Don't forget!" And that something would be a bucket of his special homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies or Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and a bucket of caramel corn. There were always big smiles and happy children because Grandpa made the best cookies baked to perfection!
Lester valued education and instilled its importance in his four children, a heritage that has been passed down to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In his final months leading up to his death, Lester would often talk about his children and how they all had worked so hard, and that they were able to do more than he had done. And he talked about the raising of his grandchildren and how proud he was of all of them and the job, that we his children had done with our families.. He cherished every one of his grandchildren. And his four great-grandchildren were his special and precious darlings! He loved them so much and wanted us, his four children, to be mindful of our task to now take the reigns and raise up Godly men and women for the next generation.
Lester was the last survivor of the eleven children of Luther and Nellie Peecher. His own father died when Lester was only four years old. Lester was raised without a father, but he was the very best of Fathers. He was our Dad and we love him so much! And there is a hole in our hearts that will never be filled by any other.
Lester leaves behind a beautiful legacy, cherished by his four children: Cindy (Peter) Hofius, Mitch Peecher, Carrie (Clint) Roberts, Shawn (Deb) Peecher.
Ten grandchildren grandchildren: Tami, Emilee, Danielle, Leah, Ashley, Christopher, Nicholas, Taylor, Amber, and Hunter.
And great-grandchildren: Jackson, Sebastian, Aleana, and Aletheia, as well as many friends who considered him a dad or wonderful uncle. His life was a testament to love, dedication, and the importance of family and faith.
Rest in peace, Lester Floyd Peecher. Your memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved you.
Your loving Children,
Cindy, Mitch, Carrie, and Shawn