Lester Irish

The funeral service for Lester LaVern Irish, age 76, of Eagle Bend, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend with Pastor Hollis Bishop presiding. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, January 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and will resume on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Lester passed away on January 17, 2015, at Lakewood Health Systems in Staples, MN. Lester was born to Charles "Rennie" and Grace (Sanford) Irish on February 20, 1938 in Belgrade, Nebraska. He graduated from Eagle Bend High School in 1956. After high school he attended Bemidji State College. On June 12, 1965, he was united in marriage to Beryl Virginia Kimball at Bethany Lutheran Church, rural Menahga. During Lester’s career he worked as a business teacher, secretary, and worked 17 years at Camp Ripley as a Supply Clerk with the National Guard. Lester and Beryl lived almost all of 49 years of marriage in rural Eagle Bend. They were blessed with four children. Lester was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Eagle Bend where he was head usher for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge since 1961. Lester was president of the Eagle Bend Historical Society. Lester enjoyed farming and spending time with family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Lester enjoyed polka music and dancing. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, cutting wood and giving hayrides. Lester always had time for his grandchildren’s sports activities. His grandchildren were the sunshine in Lester’s eye. Lester was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother Leonard; and granddaughter Tori Ann Irish. Lester is survived by his wife Beryl, sons David (Tina) of Wadena, Daryl of Eagle Bend, and Darwin (Laura) of Frazee; daughter Diane (Jason) Chubb of Sparks, NV; grandchildren Jordan (Nate Schmitz) of Wadena, Jessica (Storm Green) of West Fargo, ND, and Caleb of Frazee; great-grandchild baby Schmitz due February 2015; sisters Lois (Al) Greenwaldt of Bertha, and Leila (Dick) Allen of Staples; a host of brother and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins; and many beloved friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Schoberg, Chuck Schoberg, Dick Allen, Al Greenwaldt and Ernie Kimball. Serving as pallbearers will be Rick, John, Lloyd and Dale Allen, Steve and Greg Greenwaldt. Interment will be in Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Eagle Bend, MN.

Lester Irish

February 20, 1938 - January 17, 2015