Gary Lee Lester

Gary Lee Lester

Cedar Rapids

Gary Lee Lester, 89, of Cedar Rapids, passed away, December 27, 2024. A Visitation will take place from 4-7 PM, on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at a future date.

Gary was born on July 28, 1935, in Emmet County, Iowa, the son of Jess and Jessie (Gardner) Lester. He was the youngest of nine children. Gary graduated from Roosevelt High School in Cedar Rapids in 1953 and then attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids. He received a scholarship from Coe College to play football. Gary served his country in the U.S. Army. He was united in marriage to Mercedes “Mickey” Lynberg on November 9, 1956, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Gary was self-employed with his brothers, Roy and Glenn in their business Lester Lath and Plaster. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the Wapsi and fishing. Gary was fortunate to attend the Kentucky Derby for many years with his siblings.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-eight years, Mercedes “Mickey” Lester of Cedar Rapids; children, Kristie (Micheal) Mortland of Cedar Rapids and Jess Lester of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Sylvona (Chase) Lang of Swisher, Chetney (Drew) Spears of Geneva, Switzerland, MacKenzie Lester of Newhall, and Mitchell (Macy) Lester of Fairfax; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his eight siblings.

Memorials may be directed to the Cedar Valley Humane Society or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.