Lester L. Fettig

Lester L. Fettig, 83 of Bismarck, formerly of Steele, passed away peacefully October 22, 2024 with family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 15, 2024 at 10:30 AM, at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 318 2nd St SW, Steele, ND.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Steele.

Lester was born on May 12th, 1941 in Hamilton, MT to parents, Frank and Katie (Geiger) Fettig. The Fettig family moved to a farm North of Steele in 1952. Les graduated from Steele in ‘59, Minot State Teachers College in ‘65 and received his Master in Administration from NDSU in 1968.

While attending Minot State, Les met Judy Hefter (Sherwood 1962) and they were married on August 7th, 1965. He developed great study habits after meeting Judy. Over their first nine years they lived in Carpio, New Town and Belcourt where Les was a teacher, coach and principal until moving back to Steele in 1974. Judy worked as a teacher, coach and Mother of three young children.

Returning to Steele, Les pulled out coveralls and joined his dad, Frank, farming North of Steele. He also worked at the Driscoll Public School as their superintendent from 1980 to 1990. Judy worked as Kidder County Supt. of Schools for 12 years before joining the Post Office. They raised their three children in Steele. Craig graduated in ‘85, Lesli in ‘87 and Stephanie in 1989. Les and Judy were hit with a wanderlust and moved to Oregon in 1991. He worked as a superintendent, small business owner and salesman while Judy worked for the Post Office. They retired in 2006 and were able to spend winters in Thousand Palms, CA and summers in Bend, OR. In the spring of ‘22 they moved their summer residence to Bismarck. While they were blessed with many friends in CA and OR, returning to “old” friends and North Dakota was a special treat.

Lester enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards and having coffee with friends. He enjoyed being Papa to his grandchildren. Les and Judy were married for 59 blissful years. Judy always said it was bliss, Les agreed most of the time. Sadly, our loving Husband, Father and Papa left his earthly family.

Les is survived by his wife, Judy; children, Craig (Dawn), Bismarck, Lesli Coquille, OR, Stephanie (Joel Michelsen) Erwin, TN; grandchildren, Quinn (Samantha) Austin TX, Joren (Jakob Kappus) Redding, CA, Seth Michelsen, Bismarck, Jake Michelsen (Danielle Fitzgerald) Carrolls, WA, Jesse Michelsen, Bend, OR; great-grandchildren, Brooks Fettig (TX), Adeline Michelsen (WA), Jayce Michelsen (OR); sister, Barbara Clark (The Dalles, OR); brother, Gene Fettig (Bismarck); sister-in-law, Carole Fettig (Bismarck) as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Katie; brothers, Sebastian and Harvey and brothers-in-law, Dale Elliott, George Clark and sister-in-law, LaVerne Fettig.