Lester E. Day was born June 24, 1921 in Lincoln County, SD to parents Harry and Mabel (Peterson) Day. He died March 10, 2010 at Morningside Care Center in Alcester, SD at the age of 88 years, 8 months and 13 days.


Lester graduated from Alcester High School in 1940. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. He enlisted in September of 1942 and was honorably discharged in January of 1946. He returned home and farmed in Lincoln County. He then moved to Alcester and managed the Farmers Union Coop for 34 years, retiring in 1984. Lester married Avis Osheim on April 12, 1951. She died March 18, 1968. He married Beverly Anne Severson on April 19, 1975. She died January 24, 2008.

Lester was baptized, confirmed, and was a lifelong member of Nathanael Lutheran Church where he served on the Church Council. He also served on the Alcester School Board, Alcester City Council and was a member of the Commercial Club and the Lions Club. His hobbies and interests included gardening, raising parakeets, trap shooting, hunting and being an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Avis and Beverly, and his brother Oliver.

Survivors include his children, Marlin Day and wife Heather of Hudson, Karen Severson Cook of Worthington, MN, Jerald Day and wife Gerri of Canton, and Bruce Day and wife Virginia of Canton; nine grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; two brothers, Warren Day and wife Phyllis of Sioux Falls and Don Day and wife June of Atlanta, GA; two sisters, Marcia Anderson of Kenya, Africa and Miriam Cox and husband Bill of Fairfield, OH; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Memorials may be directed to Nathanael Lutheran Church.

Funeral services will be 10:00AM, Saturday, March 13 at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester. Visitation will be Friday from 3PM to 8PM with family present from 5PM to 7PM at Wass Funeral Home in Alcester.