Longaker, Lester L. 1911-1977

LONGAKER, FLEENER, PALMER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/20/2012 at 12:51:54

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Jan. 23, 1978

RITES HELD FOR MR. LONGAKER

Lester L. Longaker, 66, of Montezuma died Dec. 30 at Grinnell General Hospital.

Funeral services were held at the Steffy Funeral Home in Montezuma, with the Rev. Scott Woodworth and the Rev. James Nicholson officiating. Mrs. Scott Woodworth was soloist. Pallbearers were his nephews, Jerry White, Fred Palmer, James North, John Lebeck, John Broch and Steve Bowers.

The son of David Earl and Susie Fleener Longaker, he was born Jan. 2, 1911, south of Taintor. He attended Lynnville High School, then attended Penn College. He taught school prior to being employed by Sears.

On Jan. 28, 1936, he was married to Mary Helena Palmer near Montezuma. He served as assistant manager and manager with Sears. His career was interrupted during World War II, when he served for three years with the U.S. Navy in Hawaii.

In 1952, Mr. and Mrs. Longaker purchased a motel at Manitou Springs, Colo. Mr. Longaker suffered a stroke during his second term as mayor of that community. Mr. and Mrs. Longaker returned to Iowa in 1973.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church. He was a Mason and a Shriner.

Survivors include his wife, Helena; his mother, Susie; a brother, David; and a sister, Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his father.