Frank Lester

Frank Samuel Lester, 91, Bismarck, joined his Lord and Savior in the early morning of November 4, 2019 after a short battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck with Rev. Daniel Lester officiating.

Frank was born on October 25, 1928 in Carrington, ND to Bernard T. and Lulu G. (Stephenson) Lester. Frank, their middle child, left home at a young age to work for farmers. He was a gifted carpenter and owned Frank S. Lester Building and Remodeling. He built numerous homes in the Bismarck-Mandan area. He retired in 1979 and purchased Dakota Lanes in Washburn. Frank and Diana owned the lanes until 2005. He was especially proud of the lake cabin he built on Juanita Lake, on land he purchased from his uncle Ralph. He loved to fish, hunt, bowl, garden, build birdhouses, and built a train layout with his wife Diana for his grandchildren.

At family gatherings, he always had a video camera or camera capturing the event. He filled many photo albums with pictures of his beloved family.

Frank had four children with his first wife, sons Franklin S. Jr, William “Bill” (Donna), Bismarck, daughters Christine Kjonnas, and Pamela (Les) Kuntz.

Frank met the love of his life Diana Dietz and they married on November 29, 1958. From this marriage they had three sons, Michael (Shelley), Daniel (Colleen), and Wayne. Frank was blessed to have 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who he was very proud of.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diana; sons, William “Bill”, Daniel, and Wayne; daughters, Christine and Pam, and their families; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; baby sister, Mary Louise; and sons, Franklin S. Jr and Michael Lester.