Lester, William “Bill” Lloyd – 1921-2010

BRADLEY, DAHL, DODD, LESTER, MARZ, MEYER, PETERSEN, VAN RIPER, WALL

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 2/5/2010 at 11:57:03

CAMARILLO, Calif. — William “Bill” Lloyd Lester, beloved husband, brother and uncle, passed away of natural causes at home on Jan. 5, 2010, with his family at his side.
Bill was born in Moline, Ill., on Jan. 25, 1921, to William and Bernice Meyer Lester. He grew up in Newton, Iowa, and graduated from Newton High School with the class of 1939. Three years later he served with the U.S. 8th Air Force as a communications operator in England and France during World War II. Returning home, he continued his education, receiving his bachelor of arts degree from Decorah (Iowa) Luther College and master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota.
In 1951, he married Pearl Petersen Dahl and purchased the Hill Mart Market in Westchester, Calif. With his great business acumen and the help of his brother, Guy, the Hill Mart became a highly successful independent grocery store. Bill generously shared his prosperity with all his family and also assisted many nieces and nephews with their college educations.
Shortly after selling his business in 1980, his wife, Pearl, passed away. In 1988 he met and married his dear Yvonne. They traveled extensively and happily shared their golden years together until Yvonne’s death in 2005. As his health declined, Bill was lovingly cared for by his brother, Guy, sister-in-law, Beulah Marz-Lester, and his No. 1 caregiver, Maricela Gomez. His nephew, Jon Lester, also provided invaluable help with his care.
Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Jeanne Dodd and Bette Wall; his brother, Jack Lester; and his sister-in-law, Joy (Van Riper) Lester. He is survived by his brother, Guy Lester of Camarillo, Calif.; his sister, Dorothy Bradley of Marshalltown, Iowa; and numerous extended family who love and will miss him dearly.
A special thanks to Billy Hayes and Jose Rodriguez of Assisted Home Hospice who cared so wonderfully for Bill his last three months. Our family is very grateful for their many acts of kindness.
Source: Newton Daily News; Thursday, February 4, 2010