NEW HAMPTON — Kenneth Ray Lester, 94, of New Hampton, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2026, at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.
Kenneth was born November 20, 1931, in Marathon, Iowa, to Raymond and Vera Lester. His family later moved to Goldfield, where he grew up and graduated from Goldfield High School in 1949.
As a young man, Kenneth served in the Iowa National Guard from 1951 to 1958. His early life also carried memories of his family’s Fountain City Dairy, where milk and other dairy products were delivered door to door by horse and wagon.
Kenneth married Thelma Wetterhus on March 22, 1953, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Eagle Grove. Their marriage lasted 71 years, and together they raised five daughters.
Farming became a major part of Kenneth and Thelma’s life. After beginning near Hardy, the couple moved in 1958 to a farm north of New Hampton, where they spent more than six decades raising livestock, growing crops and building a life on the land. Kenneth also worked as a salesman for NACHURS fertilizer and Northrup King seed.
After retiring in 1998, Kenneth and Thelma spent winters in Arizona for many years before later moving into New Hampton.
Music was one of Kenneth’s lifelong gifts. He began singing as a boy and continued sharing his voice throughout his life through church choirs, gospel music, weddings, funerals and family milestones. His family especially treasured the fact that he sang at each of his daughters’ weddings.
Kenneth also enjoyed sports and games. He played baseball in his youth, bowled in local and traveling leagues, and was inducted into the New Hampton Bowling Hall of Fame in 1989. Later, he enjoyed golfing in Iowa and Arizona, as well as playing pool whenever he could.
Family and friends will remember Kenneth for his sharp memory, stories, songs, humor and steady ability to make others smile. His passing comes after the death of his beloved wife, Thelma, in 2024, and loved ones take comfort in the thought that the couple is reunited.
Kenneth is survived by his five daughters, Diane Kowalski, Jan Flaherty, Susan Becker, Teresa Becker and Karen Peters, along with their families; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; extended family; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma; his parents; a brother and sister-in-law; other in-laws; and nephews.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 223 S. Water Ave. in New Hampton.
A funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Rev. Dan Christensen officiating.
A private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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