Lester Rajdl, 85

Lester Harvey Rajdl, 85, died February 14, 2012 at Bethany Home in Alexandria.

Lester was born September 25, 1926 in Hudson Township, Douglas County to Anton and Agnes (Kalina) Rajdl. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church in Reno Township.

Lester attended District #3 Country School through the 8th grade. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and served his country from February 1946 thru August 1947.

On September 28, 1948 Lester was united in marriage to Mary Ganje at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. To this union the couple was blessed with two children, Julie and David. The couple moved to a farm across the road from where Lester grew up. He was a dairy farmer and worked together with his dad, farming. He was very handy at being self-sufficient and fixing his own machinery and welding. Lester was always willing to lend a helping hand fixing the neighbors’ machinery. At the age of 62, Lester retired and in 2008 they moved to Alexandria.

Lester belonged to the Knights of Columbus in Osakis, Forada Farmers Union, Forada Rod and Gun Club, Villard Legion, and was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Villard for 60 years. He was the secretary for the Alexandria-Nelson Shipping Association.

Lester enjoyed woodworking, making doll high chairs and doll beds, which he sold. He also enjoyed fishing on Maple Lake, mowing the lawn and being outside on the farm. One of Lester’s proudest moments was representing the Douglas County 4-H with his horse “Star” in 1940 at the Minnesota State Fair. Most of all, Lester loved visiting with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Julie Ann Rajdl (Barnack) and husband Dennis of Alexandria; son, David Lester Rajdl and wife, Carol of Nelson; grandchildren, Anthony “Tony” Barnack and wife Rebecca of Lonsdale, Sara Barnack Bertram and husband, Brett of Minneapolis, Travis Rajdl of Alexandria and Andrew Rajdl of St. Louis Park; great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Samuel and Daniel Barnack, and Adeline and Brody Bertram; sister, Sr. Mary Lou Ann Rajdl M.M. of Chicago, IL.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Agnes Rajdl.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, February 17 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. Military honors were provided by Alexandria American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, and the Minnesota National Honor Guard. Interment was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Casket bearers were Dennis Barnack, Dave Rajdl, Tony Barnack, Sara Bertram, Travis Rajdl and Andrew Rajdl.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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