Lester Shafland (1909-2007)

SHAFLAND, HEGLAND, BUDD, HUTSON

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 2/2/2008 at 20:53:44

THE STORY CITY HERALD, Story City, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Lester Shafland, 97, of Danville, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2007, at his residence. Lester was born Dec. 7, 1909, in Roland, son of Louis and Bertha Hegland Shafland. He graduated from Roland High School in 1928, from Luther College in Decorah in 1932, received his master's degree in administration from the University of Iowa in 1942 and completed specialized training at Northwestern Medical School.

Lester married Melvine Budd on Nov. 6, 1936. Together, they lived in Iowa, Colorado, Florida, Georgetown, and New York before moving to Danville in 1962. They celebrated nearly 69 years of marriage. Lester was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Melvine, three brothers and one sister.

He is survived by his four children, James (Marleen) Shafland of New York City, New York, Mary (David) Hutson of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, Paul Shafland of Boca Raton, Florida and Karen Shafland of Bourbonnais; six grandchildren, two sisters, one sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews.

Prior to World War II, Lester was a semi-pro basketball and baseball player. He was a high school teacher and coach for 10 years in McCallsburg and Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Lester served as Lieutenant Senior Grade in the United States Navy during WW II. After the war, he was a
coordinator of physical Medicine and rehablitation for the Veterans Adminsitration Hospital from 1948 until retiring in 1972.
Lester was active in numerous church, community and educational organizations.

He was president of the school board and his church, as well as the Marion County Commissioner for Boy Scouts in Iowa.

He received many awards and commendations, including induction into the Luther College Athletic Hall of Fame.

He and Melvine were founding members of The Rock Church. They enjoyed traveling and sharing 25 winters in their Delray Beach, Florida condominium.

Lester valued God, family and country. His life exemplified a love for Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

A celebration of Lester's life was held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2007 at The Rock Church in Danville, with Pastor Randy Downing officiating.

Visitation was held Sunday evening from 4 - 7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville. He was laid to rest at Danville National Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials may be made in Lester's name to The Rock Church in Danville. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. 24-1