Lester Cherry

LESTER J. CHERRY

Independence

Lester J. Cherry, 84, of Independence, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2017, at his home in Independence.

Lester was born March 22, 1932, in Winthrop, Iowa, the son of Ross S. and Myrtle A. (VanTasell) Cherry. He was a 1949 graduate of Independence High School. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served proudly during the Korean War. On April 10, 1953, Lester married Patricia A. Ghere in Yuma, Ariz. The pair later made their home on a farm just outside of Quasqueton, where he worked that same land diligently for 59 years before moving to Independence. Lester believed in being active in his community and served as a volunteer firefighter for 38 years on the Quasqueton Fire Department and East Buchanan school board for nine years. He was a member of Farm Bureau, Bechter-Boies VFW Post 2440 and Quasqueton American Legion Post 434, and was an active member of the Quasqueton Union Church. He enjoyed traveling with his wife throughout North America, but he loved spending time with his family the most.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, Independence; four children, Linda (James) Bell, Independence, Lonnie (Tammy) Cherry, Winthrop, Lorie (Kenny) Gericke, Quasqueton, and Lee (Michelle) Cherry, Walker; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Evelyn Kinsinger, Clive; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Fredric, Royal and Alvin Cherry; and a sister, Esther Thomas.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Union Church, Quasqueton, with burial in Quasqueton Cemetery. Friends may call from 8 a.m. to service time Friday at the church. Arrangements are with Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.