Lester L. Hansen, 82, of Faulkton, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Faulkton Senior Living.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2015, at United Church of Faulkton, with Pastor Bill Hoffman presiding. Burial will follow in the Faulkton Cemetery with full military honors. A prayer service will be 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 22, 2015, at the church with visitation one hour prior. Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Lester’s arrangements. Condolences may be left at familyfuneralhome.net

Lester Louis Hansen was born Dec. 30, 1932, in Faulk County to John “Jack” and Malinda (Borcherding) Hansen. He attended school at the Hansen Country School through the sixth grade and finished his education graduating from Faulkton High School. Following high school, Lester joined the U.S. Army on Sept. 24, 1952, serving during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 23, 1954. Upon his return, Lester worked with his dad, drilling wells and farming.

On June 11, 1956, Lester was united in marriage to Patty Roseland at the Seneca Methodist Church. They made their home in Faulk County, where they raised their family and Lester lived his life working the land as a farmer and rancher.

Lester enjoyed spending time working in his shop, doing woodworking and watching football and high school wrestling. Above all, he gave his time freely to his wife, kids and grandkids. Lester spent as much time as he could watching their sports and school events. He was also a member of the United Church of Faulkton, the VFW and served as a director at the Faulkton Farmers Elevator.

Lester’s life will be cherished by his wife, Patty of Faulkton; his children: Lee (Diane) Hansen of Faulkton, Jay (Linda) Hansen of West Point, Neb., Holly (Ken) Veldkamp of Dell Rapids and Kip (Jeanne) Hansen of Watertown; his grandchildren: Rick (Ashley) Hansen, Trish (Cole) Cotton, Haeley (Trent) Petersen, Alex and Mattie Hansen, Keith (Jennifer) Veldkamp, Craig Veldkamp (fiance, Megan Johnson), Mandi Veldkamp and Colton, Alana and Lawson Hansen; great-grandchildren: Blake, Evan and Heidi Hansen and Raya Cotton; one sister, Loretta Ketterling of Faulkton; one sister-in-law, Geraldine Hansen of Faulkton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leslie Hansen; and grandson, Cody Hansen. In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be directed to a charity of the family’s choice.