Lester Raymond Hartleip

BYRON -Lester R. Hartleip, 91, died on Monday, February 24, 2014 at Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island. Lester was born in Cherokee, IA on February 5, 1923.He attended Pine Island Area Schools.During WWII, he entered the U.S. Army Infantry, serving in the European Theater under General George Patton.After discharge, Lester was an independent milk hauler for Minnesota Cheese Producers of Pine Island.He married Dorothy M. Burch on June 26, 1949 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Pine Island.Lester was employed as a security officer at IBM for 30 years.He and his family farmed northeast of Byron during that same time.Lester retired in 1987 and moved into a home in Byron in 1992.He was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church in Byron and worked on many of the committees.Lester belonged to the IBM Quarter Century and Retirees Club and was also a longtime member of the American Legion Post 119, where he held several offices.He enjoyed woodworking, motorcycling, camping, traveling, and volunteering. Lester is survived by five children, Larry (Carolyn) Hartleip of Brighton, MI, Allen (Erleen) Hartleip, of Byron, Raymond (Cindy) Hartleip, of Rochester, David (Anne) Hartleip, of Hartland, WI, and Steven (Sue) Hartleip, of La Crosse, WI; nine grandchildren, Shawna Hartleip, Kristin Moore, Whitney Hartleip, Alyssa Hartleip, Mikayla Hartleip, Derek Hartleip, Nicole Hartleip, Jackie Hartleip, and Tiffany (Pat) Cataldo; and four great grandchildren, Cade Cataldo, Madelynn Hartleip, Alayna Hartleip, and Cami Cataldo. Lester is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; four sisters and four brothers. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at Christ Lutheran Church, 201 Frontage Road NW, Byron with Rev. Steve Rheingans officiating.A visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church.Burial with military honors will take place at Byron Cemetery.