Lester Henry Bicknese

Lester Henry Bicknese, 84, of Freeport, died Monday, June 2, 2014 at the Stephenson Nursing Center. Lester was born on January 17, 1930, in Elgin, Illinois, the son of Fred and Frieda Bicknese. Lester lived in Hampshire, where he farmed, drove truck and worked at Hampshire Milk Factory. Lester also worked at Burren Transfer of Elgin. In 1976 he moved to Freeport, IL to manage a Plumbing Wholesale business. He was in partnership with Larry Viehmeier at Plumbers Supply for 15 years. Upon retiring, he moved to Manitowish Water, WI. where he loved living in the north woods. There he was a caretaker of a private lodge for 14 years. In 2010 he returned to live in Freeport. Lester married Nancy G. White on September 1, 1951. He is survived by his wife and two children, Kay (Dennis) Koerner of Lake Carroll, IL, Kim (Michele) Bicknese of Genoa, IL.; five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, brother, Kenneth (Phyllis) Bicknese of Genoa, IL,; half-sister, Anneta Griever of Montgomery, IL. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred "Fritz" Bicknese and Donald (Mike) Bicknese; and one sister, Lucille Friend. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1953. Lester was a Christian man, loving father and brother and friend. He belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampshire, Trinity Lutheran of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, and Immanuel Lutheran of Freeport. In lieu of flowers there is a memorial has been established for Immanuel Lutheran Church. Please sign the guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.