James Leo Liester Jr. was born in Garretson SD to James and Gertrude (DeClerk) Liester on November 20, 1932. He attended country school and graduated from Garretson High School in 1950. After high school, he was drafted into the army and served from 1950-1953 as a military policeman. On January 7, 1953 he married Helen (Fiegen) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids SD. He was a farmer for over 60 years on the family farm. He served on the Garretson Elevator Board for many years and was a member of the Garretson Legion Post #23 for 65 years. James enjoyed dancing the polka, playing cards, watching baseball and football, especially the Twins and Vikings and spending time with family and his lifelong friends and neighbors. He always had cookies ready for family and visitors.
James passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Avera McKennan Hospital at the age of 86.
Survivors include his children: Wayne (Cheryl) Liester, Garretson SD; Elaine (Dave) Chapman, Dell Rapids SD; Paul (Julie) Liester, Baltic SD; Cynthia Dierks, Fulda MN. 9 Grandchildren: Amy (Tom) Endres, Jodi (Jeff) Stebbins, Beth (Shane) Carlson, James (Sydney) Chapman, Rayanne, Katy & Tess Liester, Cole & Justin Dierks, 10 Great Grandchildren: Olivia, Abby, Ben and Will Endres, Kylie & Quinn Stebbins, Lola & Poppy Carlson, Machenzy & Tytan Chapman. Brothers: Mark Liester, Bill Liester Sisters: Mary Ellen Sorenson, Jean Wick.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents and son-in-law Brian Dierks.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, November 21, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was from 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, with a Wake Service at 5:00 PM at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids.