Lester Carl Erickson, 93, of Rochester died on January 5, 2017 in Stewartville.

Lester was born in Mower County to Carl and Tillie (Heimer) Erickson on May 19, 1923. He was in CC camp in Lansboro and at age 16, he attended school in Rochester for welding. Later, he became a ship welder in Oakland, CA. Lester enlisted in the Army during WWII, and served in both theaters of war. On June 6, 1947, he married Bernice Hamm. They were married for 69 ½ years. Lester became a cement finisher in 1959 and worked until his retirement. He enjoyed working on grandfather clocks, horseshoes, and fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, playing guitar with his children and grandchildren, puzzles, and having an ice-cold beer.

Les will be missed by many.

Lester is survived by his wife, Bernice; two sons, Larry (Sue), and Jerry (Claudia); seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, and his son, Brian Erickson.

The funeral service for Lester Erickson will be 11:00AM on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens with military honors following the service.