William C. ” Bill” Lester
May 17, 1931- October 2, 2024
Wm. C. “Bill” Lester, age 93 died October 2, 2024, at 3:52am. Bill was born in Lismore, MN, Nobles County and attended school in Lismore, Adrian and Worthington, MN, graduating in the “Class of 1949”. He attended Worthington Junior College from 1949-1950 and from 1950 to January 1951 for one semester. He then joined the US Air Force, serving almost 4 years during the Korean War, and received an Honorable Discharge as a Staff Sergeant in October 1954.
Upon discharge from the USAF, he embarked upon a career and spent the next 39 years in the Grain Merchandising and Soy Processing in the Midwest, working for almost every major Farmer Owned Cooperative. Farmers Union GTA (CHS Cooperatives), Big 4 Coop Processing Association, Farmers Regional Cooperatives, Land O’Lakes, Inc., Farmland Industries, Boone Valley Cooperative Processing Association, and was instrumental in helping establish Ag Processing, Inc. (a cooperative) on August 31, 1983. AGP’s headquarters are in Omaha, NE, and it is the Largest Farmer owned Soybean Processing Cooperative Company in the world. He retired on June 1, 1993, after spending his entire career working for Midwest Farmers. He was known to his fellow colleagues and friends as “Mr. Coop”.
Bill travelled to many foreign countries promoting cooperatives and the US soybean industry. As a board member of the National Oilseed Processors Assn., National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and National Cooperative Business Assn., he made many trips abroad with the American Soybean Assn. and the American Soybean Board. He worked closely with these organizations in the early stages with the development and promotion of Soy Oil as an additive (Bio-Diesel) in Diesel fuel, helping to provide as an option to support the price of Soy Oil, not to replace Diesel fuel, but also help the reduction of carbon in the world.
For 11 years he wrote a monthly article in the AGP News (Political Pod), and always closed each article with, “Remember Farm Prices are Made in Washington”. Upon retirement, he received Service awards from the US Soybean Board, American Soybean Assn., and the Nation Oilseed Processors Assn. for his service to the US Soybean Industry.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Leo & Mae (Higgins) Lester; wife, Marion G. (Ramerth) Lester; son, Thomas Clark Lester; sisters: Betty Lewis, Carol Lassiter, Leora Lester.
Bill and Marion were married August 9, 1952, and celebrated 70 years together August 9, 2022.
Bill is survived by daughters, Kathy (Chuck) Raymond, Barbara Lester and Mary Beth Lester; son, Michael W. (Christy) Lester; four grandchildren: Nicholas, Lindsey, Jason, Jenny; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.
He greatly loved his family (wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren) and his many friends here and around the world.
VISITATION: 9:00-10:00AM Saturday, October 5, 2024, at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, Omaha.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10:00AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church.
INTERMENT: Calvary Mausoleum II
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Fr. Shane Education Endowment or to OnCare Hospice
To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of home page.
4 Comments
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. One of mt very early memories is of Bill and Marion’s wedding. I can still remember how happy they looked. My brother, Tim, was an alter boy at there wedding. There was a chance that our all our family would not be able to attend as one of us was not feeling well, but we DID all make it. It was such a great celebration.
Bill was always special to all of us Higgins kids for two reasons. First, and foremost, because he looked so much like our Dad. Secondly……he ALWAYS made us feel special……and he always gave the best hugs in the world.
Bill will always have a special place in my heart. I plan to take all my wonderful memories of him, tuck them very deep within my heart, and then he will always be with me. Rest in peace, Bill. Love ya! Hugs to all the Lester family.
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of Brother Knight Bill Lester.
He and your family will be remembered in our prays during our meetings.
Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him, may the
souls of all the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
St Robert Bellarmine Knights of Columbus Council 10108
John C Ries Grand Knight
So sorry Uncle Bill pasted away. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Love Jerelyn & Tim
We were so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our hearts are with you although we will not be able to attend his services. We enjoyed reading about all of his accomplishments and his service to the agricultural sector. We pray for God’s comfort and strength in the upcoming days.
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