Lester Williamsen

Lester Williamsen, age 100, of Aurora, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Memorial Community Care.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 14 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kronborg, 2174 North T Rd, Marquette. Rev. Ricardo Riqueza will officiate. Interment will be in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The service will be livestreamed on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Facebook page. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.   Higby-McQuiston Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family through the mortuary website at www.higbymortuary.com
“I’m Happy” was Lester’s general response to being asked, “How are you?” There were so many “happy” times in his 100-year life.
Lester Ostergaard Williamsen was born on April 4, 1923 in York, to Thomas and Laura (Jacobsen) Williamsen.   He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kronborg.   He attended many church activities.  Lester was on church council and cemetery board as well as teaching Sunday school.
Lester went to Country School and graduated from Marquette High School in 1941.   He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea during WWII.   He was a Legionnaire for 75 years.  
On August 27, 1950, Lester married Fay Lewis in Aurora.   They farmed north of Hampton until they retired in 1987 and moved to Aurora.   Lester was later a charter resident of East Park Villa in Aurora and lived there 23 years until he moved to Heaven on November 10, 2023.  
Lester enjoyed baseball, bowling, golf, horse races on his birthday, telling stories, wood working and spending time with family and friends.   His famous jelly and pickles received several purple ribbons at the County Fair.   He was blessed to celebrate his 100th Birthday with family and friends.  Lester was on the Hampton School Board, Lions Club Member, Baseball Committee, County Fair Board and Hordville Elevator Board.   He delivered watermelons to the Hampton football and volleyball teams since 1970 and the tradition continues.
Lester is survived by his five children, Tom Williamsen of Hampton, Susan (Dale) Klein of Pleasanton, Bonnie (Rich) McPhillips of Belgrade, Robin Williamsen of Hampton and Neal (Ann) Williamsen of Milford, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, Joel (Maggie) Troester, Mindi (Rick) Breinig, Kenton McPhillips, David Sautter, Lee (Beth) McPhillips, Sara (Jon) Messer, Katie (Cameron) Miller, Alex Troester, Scott Williamsen and Todd Williamsen; 11 great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild and sister-in-law, Marilyn Williamson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Fay of 49 years; parents, Laura and Tom; 3 brothers, Wilbur, Allen Dean and Otis; 7 sisters-in-law and many other family and friends.
Lester is now eternally “happy”. To God be the Glory!