and operated. Lester was a longtime member of Holy Cross Parish in Belgium as well as St. Robert's and St. Francis parishes in Merrill. While living in Belgium, Lester was well known for his extensive church and community service. He was instrumental in establishing, promoting and managing many area youth and adult baseball and basketball leagues. He continued his community service in Merrill as a member of numerous church, civic and sports organizations. Lester is survived by his wife of 68 years, Janet and their seven children; James (Jan) of Merrill, WI Elaine (Thomas) Semrau of Dallas, TX; Lester, Jr. (Rose Elliott) of Charlottesville, VA, Richard (JoAnn) of Oshkosh, WI, Michael (Lila) of Fargo, ND, Patrick (fiancé Lisa Mazzie) of West Bend, WI and Janet (Robert) Starck of Cadott, WI. He is further survived by 18 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one sister, Elisa (the late Elmer) Bauer of Fredonia, WI, sister-in-law Rita (the late Bernie) Buser of Saukville, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Engelbert and Mary; seven brothers; Alois (Melvina), Louis (Margaret), George (Cecelia), Sylvester (Rosalia), Edwin (Betty), Clarence (Eleanor) and Walter (Violet); two sisters; Marie (George) Jacoby and Leona (Joseph) Buechler, grandchildren Colleen Mary Semrau and Shaun Robert Starck and brother-in-law Joe (Alice) Ott. There will be a Memorial Mass held at 2:00 p.m. at St. Francis Church, Merrill on Wednesday, May 15. On Thursday, May 16, visitation will be held at Eernisse Funeral Home, Belgium, Wisconsin from 3:00 - 5:30 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Divine Savior Parish - Holy Cross Chapel in Belgium at 6:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. The Eernisse Funeral Home in Belgium is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com