Robert LaVerne Lester, Jr.

Robert Lester Jr., known to many as "Robbie" or "Shorty, age 85, of Springbrook, WI passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 with family just down the road from where he was born on the 23rd of July, 1935.

Robert LaVerne Lester Jr. was born in Springbrook, WI. The son of Robert and Hazel (Moyer) Lester Sr.  He was raised in Springbrook and attended school in Spooner. 

He made his living throughout his life as a small businessman. He was an owner operator in various pursuits from farming, cutting and trucking pulpwood, and hauling steel in and out of the major industrial centers of United States. Cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, New York, and so on

After he sold the family farm and logging equipment he turned to public life and served the last 20 years of his life in local government. He was elected by his constituents to serve multiple terms as Town Chairman of Stone Lake and District 7 Washburn County Board Supervisor. As Supervisor he proudly served on committees ranging from Aging, Forestry, Housing, and Highway.

Robert enjoyed hunting deer from a boy on with his Father, uncles, brothers, kids, grandkids, and close friends in the hills and swamps surrounding the Bean Brook springs. Towards the end of his hunting days he didn't care if he had any luck or not. As he he'd often say, "He just wanted to be around the boys."

Throughout his life Robert would often say "Life is like a boxing match. If you get knocked down brush yourself off and get back up." Born during hard times, suffering from various near life ending sicknesses and injuries, and not much taller than 5'5" he embodied that philosophy. He worked hard, sometimes sunup til sundown seven days a week. And despite challenges and setbacks he moved positively forward through his life passing on to his children and grandchildren the value of family and a good, honest day’s work.

Robert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; three children, Debbie (Dennis) Hubatch of Stone Lake, WI, Dorothy (Lynn) Thompson of Scandia, KS, David Lester of Stone Lake, WI; seven grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; one sister, Joyce Drabek; four brothers, Jerry, Dale, Dean and Kalvin Lester; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Charles; and one sister, Carol Lester. 

A memorial service celebrating Robert's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 23rd, at the Hayward Funeral Home.  A time of gathering with family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.  Interment will be at a later time in the Earl Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Hayward Regional Hospice.