Lester F. Unnasch

Lester Frank Unnasch, 96, of Nodine, MN, was welcomed into his Savior’s presence on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Valley View Healthcare & Rehab in Houston, MN.

He was born in La Crosse, WI, on August 7, 1925, to Frank and Ruby (Radtke) Unnasch and grew up on the family farm in New Hartford Township in Winona County, Minnesota.

Lester farmed his entire life in New Hartford Township while also working at several area apple orchards.  He served as Town Clerk for 51 years, served on the Tri-County Electric board in Rushford, MN and was an active member of many other civic boards and community organizations.

Lester’s Christian faith shone brightly in his service to his church.  He was a life-long member of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Nodine where he was baptized on September 13, 1925, confirmed in the Christian faith on September 10, 1939, and where he later married Sandra Papenfuss on June 13, 1954.  Lester served as superintendent of the Sunday School for 40 years and served on the original School Board when St. John’s Grade School was established.  He was past Chairman of the congregation, served as an Elder for many years, and sang in the church choir for 70 years.  Lester also played an instrumental role in the formation of Luther High School in Onalaska, WI.

Lester and Sandra shared 67 years of married love, setting a true example of Christian marriage. He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children, Rev. John (Janet) Unnasch of La Crescent, Mary (Robert) Jones of El Cajon, CA, and Rev. Peter (Tracy) Unnasch of Milwaukee; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth Hildenbrand of Muskego, WI, Josie (Brian) Bartelt of Onalaska, Jessica (Tim) Kveen of Lisbon, WI, Justin (Dawn) Jones of Kansas City, MO, Naomi (David) Hefti of Sturtevant, WI, Sam (Kella) Unnasch of Cudahy, WI, and Paul Unnasch of Eau Claire, WI; thirteen great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and other extended family.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters and their husbands, Lorraine (Harvey) Heyer and La Vonne (Arthur) Moldenhauer.

The funeral service is at 11 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2022, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Nodine.  Rev. Mark W. Rieke will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Nodine.  Family and friends may call from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 So. Oak St., La Crescent, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Luther High School, Valley View Healthcare & Rehab, St. Croix Hospice, or the organization of one’s choice.

Lester’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Valley View Healthcare & Rehab and to St. Croix Hospice for their wonderful care and to the pastors serving St. John’s for their many visits.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (KJV)