Lester Eschenbaum
April 13, 1932 ~ July 5, 2019
Lester E. Eschenbaum, 87, of Miller, passed away Friday, July 5, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.
Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 11, 2019 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller with Father Paul Josten, celebrant. Burial with military honors followed at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Miller. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 10, 2019 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer and rosary service, all at the church.
Lester was born in Orient, SD on April 13, 1932 to Herman and Helen (Keppen) Eschenbaum. He grew up on the family farm along with his five brothers and one sister, attended country school, and graduated from Miller High School. After graduation, he began serving in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska during the Korean War until his honorable discharge. After working as a welder in Michigan City, Indiana, Lester moved back to the family farm. He married Theresa Keller and together raised 4 daughters.
Lester and Theresa owned and operated Les’ Downtown Mobil gas station in Miller throughout the 60’s and 70’s. In 1978 they purchased the Polly Shoe store and worked together for 40 years until retiring on July 1, 2018. Lester treasured visiting with customers and going to coffee with many friends over the years.
Lester was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, VFW, and the American Legion. He served his community as a volunteer fireman and a fire chief for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Theresa Eschenbaum of Miller; four daughters: Sandy (Rick) Sawvell of Sioux Falls, Lynn (Mike) Timmerman of Sioux Falls, Denise (Jerry) Rogers of Littleton, CO, and Leslie (Marlyn) Waltner of Sioux Falls; 7 grandchildren: Ryan Dennis, Kristyn (Jessie) Zornes, Ricky (Laura) Sawvell, Layne Waltner (fiancé Stephen), Alex Waltner, Abby Timmerman, Megan Timmerman; 5 great grandchildren: Liam Dennis, Kiela Olson, Emma Olson, Callie Brandhagen, Keller Sawvell; 2 brothers: Roger Eschenbaum, Redfield, and Norman Eschenbaum of Sturgis; sister and brothers-in-law: Phyllis Eschenbaum, Maxine Thompson, LuVay Canale, Keith (Pat) Keller, Alice Keller, Terri Keller; and several nieces and nephews.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Annette; his brothers and sisters-in-law: Marvin, Keith (Millie), Willard (Mary Jane) and Etta Eschenbaum, and the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Gene (Ethel) Keller, Don Keller, Leon Keller, Martin Thompson, Evelyn (Frank) Burke, and Carl Keller.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Lester's arrangements.
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Dear Eschenbaum Family,
Words fall short of expressing our heartfelt sorrow for your loss. Les was a great a husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many. We have been so blessed to have known him. Truly one of a kind. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. We know how much you will all miss him. With our deepest sympathy.
Dick & Rhonda Baker
So many fond memories of such a wonderful man. He will be missed by the many who loved him.
So sorry for your loss
Sorry to hear of your loss.
He was a Super Fine Man and will be missed
Dick and Kathy Splichal
Theresa, I always enjoyed visiting with you & Lester at Polly Shoe Store. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Ellen Melius
70+ years ago we all met and became buddies. You were a part of some of the happiest years of my life and because you married my dearest friend you continued to be one of my favorite people. I've never known anyone nicer or funnier or more considerate than you. The only thing that kept you from being perfect – in my opinion – was that you cheated at cards. But you even did that so obviously that it would never have been considered a sin. But I'll pray for you anyway. You will be in my heart for the rest of my days my friend.
70+ years ago we all met and became buddies. You were a part of some of the happiest years of my life and because you married my dearest friend you continued to be one of my favorite people. I've never known anyone nicer or funnier or more considerate than you. The only thing that kept you from being perfect – in my opinion – was that you cheated at cards. But you even did that so obviously that it would never have been considered a sin. But I'll pray for you anyway. You will be in my heart for the rest of my days my friend.
Taking care of Lester was such a joy. He was such a sweet man & even when he was having a tough time, he could always give us a smile! The love between Lester & his wife is what I hope for myself when I'm their age! Happy vibes going out to the whole family…will miss seeing you all very much!
All the happy reunions together at the farm and ping pong in the basement! We love you and we will always remember you! Praying for the loved ones left behind. Some day we will all be reunited. Love, The Keller Boys
He was so absolutely predictable….always kind, even if busy he would set his project aside to listen – his internal commitment – family – people first! A soft gentle laugh, a simple pace, wisdom from above…my Uncle Esche and his life with my Aunt Teresa gave me a vision of what marriage should look like! As the left shoe to the right, the glove to the hand, twinkling inside jokes
… As best of friends loving each other and their family… serving their customers together! We loved him! Everybody did!
Uncle Esche was a great man and we will miss him. We have so many happy memories of playing horseshoes at the farm, visiting the shoe store and Uncle Esche and Aunt Theresa's house. This is one of my favorite pictures of Uncle Esche taken a few years ago.