Lester Wohlwend

BENTON - 8221; The kind and gentle soul of Lester Wohlwend, 88, of Benton, was called home at 7:25 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2006, in Severin Nursing Home in Benton. Lester was born in Marion on Dec. 10, 1927. As a young man, Les found his first love, fishing. He would spend the long summer days with his older brother and cousins in search of the perfect crappie hole, an odyssey with which he would spend much of his life pursuing. He also held strong to the love of his country, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He played an integral role on the USS Illinois in the Pacific Theater during World War II. While fulfilling his duty to his country, he met his true companion, Mildred Bebout. A man not to miss out on splendid opportunity, he exchanged vows with Mildred in San Francisco, Calif. on Nov. 22, 1943. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he and Mildred made a home in Havana raising their daughter Patricia while he worked for the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Upon his retirement in 1966, Les and Mildred embarked upon a new chapter in their lives. They became co-owners of the Playport Marina in Carbondale, another opportunity for him to blend his passion for fishing with his passion for life. Being part of life at the marina allowed Les and Mildred to make many life-long friends, but also remain close to their daughter and her growing family. His proudest moments were those when he became a grandfather to his three grandchildren, Anjie, Jon and David. When he finally retired to Benton in the early 1980’s, he filled his days with ballgames of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, gardening with Mildred, and of course, fishing. As the sun set on his rich and fulfilling life, he was surrounded by the many people who loved him. He set an example for all of us, to be gentle in our words and loving in our actions. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Lawrence. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mildred of Benton; his loving daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Dan Dietrich of Benton; three grandchildren, Anjie (Jim) Hughes of Benton, Jon (Jamie) Dietrich of St. Charles and David (Nancy) Dietrich of St. Peters, Mo.; and five great-grandchildren, Ethan Hughes, Anna Hughes, Jackson Dietrich, Jefferson Dietrich, and Allyson Dietrich. A service honoring the life of Lester Wohlwend will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday March 1, 2006, in Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m., with the casket closing at 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to either the Hospice of Good Samaritan or the VFW of Benton. The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at Severin Care Center and the Hospice of Good Samaritan for their comfort and care for Lester and his family as he entered his final transition toward home. To view this obituary and sign the register book, visit our website at bluefuneralhome.com. To view this obituary and sign the register book visit our website: bluefuneralhome.com. END OF STORY: Questions please call Blue Funeral Home @ (618) 997-5648. Thank You