Lester was born January 14, 1918 near Lacona to Gustav and Clara Knust.  He served his country during WW II in the United States Army and was awarded a Bronze Star.  He was united in marriage to Audrey Lucille Klages on June 2, 1946.  He was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Indianola.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Audrey; 2 children, Kristi (Charles) Rath and Les Knust, Jr.; 6 grandchildren, Randy Rath, Brent Rath, Cory Knust, Sherri (Wade) Schurman, Kelly (Travis) Eckstein and Chad Knust; 3 great-grandchildren, Blake Schurman, Natalie and Makenzie Eckstein.

Visitation will be held 4 – 8 p.m., Monday, August 18, 2008 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola where family will be present to greet friends from 6 – 8 p.m.  Memorials may be given to the family in his name for a memorial to be decided at a later date.  On Line condolences may be sent at www.overtonfunerals.com.