Lester Charles Klager

Lester Charles Klager

Age 82, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 4th, 2020.

He is survived by four children, Cary (Debby) Klager of Manitowoc, WI, Sharon (Gary) Johnston of Channahon, IL, Lorrie (Gary) Maul of Channahon, IL, and Leslie (Billy) Berry of Shorewood, IL and eight grandchildren, Derek Johnston, Janelle Johnston, Tyler Maul, Kolton Maul, Mason Maul, Malorie Berry, Niki Luisier and Cassi LeDuc.

Lester Charles Klager was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 6, 1938.  He attended the Missouri School of Mines & Metallurgy (Missouri University of Science & Technology) majoring in Chemical Engineering, where he used his engineering background throughout his professional career. Les loved to learn, always reading and researching information, keeping his mind sharp until the very end.  He shared his knowledge with anyone who listened.  Les was extremely artistic as well.  His religious drawings were often used for church bulletins and many other drawings were shared amongst family and friends. From the time he was young, he loved to build model war airplanes.  He has a squadron of model planes that, after much research, were hand-painted to reflect the accurate markings of the times. As an avid sports fan, in his lifetime he saw the Blackhawks win many Stanley Cups, the Bears win the Superbowl, the Bulls win multiple Championships, and the Chicago Cubs win the World Series!  Lastly, he shared a passion for fishing and hosta gardens.  It is this love that he shared with his children and grandchildren, lovingly known as “Fishing Grandpa" and ”HosLEStas."

He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Bernice Klager, and his sister, Vernette Nelson.

Lester was a very faithful person who loved God, going to church and singing in the choir.  In lieu of flowers, we are asking donations be made to his church in Lester's name via Go Fund Me or sending a donation directly to the church:

Go Fund Me Page:

Via hyperlink Go Fund Me Page for Lester Klager;  or
Go to gofundme.com on the top left click “Search,” type in “Lester Klager” and hit enter.  It is the first option from Shorewood, IL.

Grace Lutheran Church
907 Lutheran Church, Wilmington, IL. 60481
Attention "Lester Klager"

Per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded.  Due to the current circumstances, a service will be held at the church on August 22nd at 1:00 for his immediate family and church parishioners. Following the service, a Celebration of Life BBQ will be held at Sharon’s home located 23249 McClintock Rd, Channahon at 3:00 pm. Please be mindful of social distancing when attending these events. 

Funeral Arrangements are under the care and coordination of Schewe Funeral and Cremation Services.

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