Lester J. Schwagler

Lester J. Schwagler, 83, New Salem, North Dakota, died, Friday, July 10, 2015, at his home. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Zion Lutheran Church, New Salem, North Dakota with Rev. Irvin Bruenjes officiating. Visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, New Salem.

Lester was born April 2, 1932 at Otter Creek, North Dakota, to Leopold and Christine (Huber) Schwagler. He was raised and educated in New Salem and graduated from New Salem High School in 1951. He served in the US Army during the Korean War from June 1952 to March 1954. On August 27, 1982, at Zion Lutheran Church, he married Linda Lee Nagel. Lester worked as a distributor for the Conklin Company until his retirement.

He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church, and was the head usher for 35 years. He was also a 61 year member of the New Salem American Legion Post #91, an honorary member of the New Salem Fire Department, and a member of the Central Morton Sportsman Club. He enjoyed hunting, especially goose hunting with family and friends. His AA group was a special part of his life and he was thankful for his 26 years of sobriety. He enjoyed people and was a friend to all.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Linda Lee; three daughters, Debra (Russell) Bubach, West Fargo, Darla (Jerald) Brewer, Renton, Washington, and Shari (William) Masse, Bismarck; daughter-in-law, Jane Schwagler, Mandan; one brother, Robert (Ardella) Schwagler, sister-in-law, Evelyn Schwagler, all of New Salem; 11 grandchildren, Kellen (Alexandra), Brendan (Alexandria), Kirsten, Tate, Teddi, Jameson, Sophia, Chris, DJ, Danielle, and Matt; and numerous, nieces and nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; son, Darrin; sister and brother-in-law, Della (Arnold) Flegel; brother, Edgar; and infant, grandson, Jordan Bubach.