Donald Lester

Donald Allen Lester, affectionately known as "Donny," was born on the 6th of December, 1958, in the heart of Rockford, IL. On August 28, 2025, he bid adieu to this world after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of love, compassion, and laughter. Donald's life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of courage, humor, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones and passions. Donny's professional journey at Leibovich Steel, Rockford, IL, was marked by dedication and precision. He served as a beacon of quality control in the steel industry for 29 years before his well-earned retirement in 2024. But Donny's zest for life wasn't confined within the realm of his profession. His love for the Chicago Bears was unparalleled; game days were sacred holidays in the Lester household. An active member of the Roscoe Rockton Lions Football Club and the DA Crew for Junior Tackle Football, his contribution to his community was both remarkable and cherished. What mattered most to Donny was his family. His marriage to his loving wife, Gayle, on June 19, 1993, marked the beginning of a beautiful journey. He is further survived by sons, Donald Allen Lester, Jr., Darren Andrew (Brooklynn) Lester of Loves Park, IL and Dylan Alexander (Torie) Lester of Beloit, WI; grandchildren, Jaxon, Adalynn and Oakley Lester of Loves Park, IL, Luca and Oliver MacKechnie and Jaxonn Rebout of Beloit, WI; sisters, Niki (Danny) Hedberg, Nanette (Tim) Johnson, Jeanette (Tom Kerchner) Forester; brothers, Dale Lester and Dennis (Dianna) Lester; several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Gloria J. Marcum; siblings-in-law, Adam (Jackie) Marcum and Brian Marcum; Gayle's siblings, Gene R. Holtz, Gretchen R. Geiken and Gwen R. Holtz; extended family members, Donna Lester, Rhonda (John) Mavis, Raymond (Soraya) Merritt, Iva Merritt and Ralene Lester; puppies, Roxxie, Skittles, Lola and Abby. Donny is preceded in death by his parents, Dale Edwin Lester and Mary "Jody" (nee McCullough) Johnson; grandparents; sister, Jeannie Campbell; brother, Duane Lester and sister-in-law, Linda Lester. A Celebration of Life will be held for Donny from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 20, 2025 at The Mill Saloon, 9032 N. Second St., Machesney Park, IL. Donald Lester's life was a testament to the power of love, the courage of perseverance, and the joy of laughter. His memories will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who knew him. We encourage you to share your cherished memories of Donny and upload photos on the memorial page. His story is not just one to be mourned, but to be celebrated, remembered, and passed on.