NEUBERGER, Lester W. (1921-2004)

NEUBERGER, LOGER, SCHULZ, EIDEMILLER, OPHEIM

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society (email)
Date: 5/6/2012 at 21:47:55

In Loving Memory of
Lester Wayne Neuberger
Born: June 21, 1921
Died: June 11, 2004

FUNERAL SERVICE
United Methodist Church Klemme, Iowa
Monday, June 14, 2004 - 10:30 a.m.

OFFICIATING
Rev. Paddy Druhl

MUSIC
Madelyn Priebe-Organist
Anna Mae Avery-Vocalist/Guitarist
"In The Garden"
"The Farside Banks of Jordan"

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
"Precious Lord Take My Hand"
"Amazing Grace"

INTERMENT
Ell Township Cemetery Klemme, Iowa
Full Military Honors

HONORARY BEARERS
Sinva Opheim, Kari (Neuberger) Eidemiller, Megan Opheim

CASKET BEARERS
Kyle Neuberger, Randy Opheim
Aaron Opheim, Brent Bagley
Jeff Nelson, Wayne Hicks

Tenold-Andrews Funeral Homes
Klemme Belmond

Lester Neuberger was born June 21, 1921, on a farm east of Klemme, the son of Lewis and Sena (Loger) Neuberger. He attended country school and graduated from Klemme High School in 1939.

Following high school he went on to school where he learned to be a machinist. He then was employed for a time of Minneapolis Moline, Hopkins, Minn., until the time he entered the service.

On August 9, 1942, he was united in marriage to Frances Schulz at the Klemme Methodist Church.

In January of 1943 he entered the United States Army where he served in the European Theatre of operations. He was stationed in southern England until D-Day and then spent tenures in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He received many decorations including the Good Conduct Medal, five Bronze Stars, and the Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon. He was a part of the battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. Lester was honorably discharged September 1, 1945.

On June 6, 1997, he was awarded the French Freedom Medal and the Diploma of Liberation from the Republic of France for the Battle of the Bulge Campaign. Lester was a long time member of the Garner VFW.

After completing his military service, Lester and his wife, Frances, farmed for many years on a farm east of Klemme. He was also employed at Armour's Meat Packing in Mason City as a machinist for 20 years before retiring in 1974. The couple moved into Klemme from the farm in 1986.

Lester was a lifelong member of the Klemme United Methodist Church. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who cherished any activity or occasion that involved times spent with his family or friends. He was an avid fisherman and had passed on the tricks and skills of his favorite pastime to his grandchildren.

He looked forward to having his grandchildren come and spend time on the farm where he could teach them to drive lawnmowers and his pickup truck on the country roads, and making sure they learned to swim. They will remember him always bringing treats for them for his presence as a proud grandpa and spectator as he following many of their activities.

Lester and Frances enjoyed dancing, traveling, and the last 24 years wintering in Weslaco, Texas. Lester loved to visit with friends and looked forward to daily coffee sessions in Klemme and Garner.

Those left to cherish the memory of his life include his wife and partner of nearly 62 years, Frances; daughter, Claudia; grandchildren, Kari (Neuberger) Eidemiller, Kyle Neuberger, and Aaron and Megan Opheim; great grandchildren Tyler and Trevor Eidemiller; daughter-in-law, Sinva (Neuberger) and husband, Randy Opheim; a sister-in-law Muriel Schulz; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sena and Lewis; sons, Mark in 1975 and Franklin in 1988; brothers, Donald and Melvin; and sisters, Lula, Pearl, and Cora.

source: funeral card