Lester Vernon Dhondt, 86, of Rockwell, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Health Center. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Major Erickson Funeral Home 111 North Pennsylvania Ave. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, 2024. at Major Erickson Funeral Home. Interment will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family of Lester Dhondt.
Lester Vernon Dhondt was born on February 14,1938, in Franklin County to parents Edward and Irene (Passehl) Dhondt. Lester graduated from Rockwell High School in 1957. After high school, he joined his family on the farm.
Lester was united in marriage to Marlys (Butcher) at the Rockwell Methodist Church on November 15,1958. To this union the couple were blessed with three children Deb, Dennis, and Dana.
Lester was a lifelong farmer east of Rockwell. You could find him working on the farm or tinkering with his equipment in his shop. He had a love for International tractors and Ford trucks. He was a lifelong member and Deacon of the First Congregational Church of Rockwell. Lester enjoyed his family time, especially during the holidays, and loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up.
One of Lester's hobbies included gardening. He always planted a huge pumpkin patch for the grandkids. They always got their first pick, and then he shared the pumpkins and gourds with family and friends. Tomatoes, green beans, and squash were always plentiful and shared as well. He was known for his cherry tomato plants that would reach over 10' high.
Lester is survived by his children, Deb (Bob) Renberg, Dennis (Becky) Dhondt, and Dana (Rob) Heimbuch; Grandchildren, Danny (Katie) Renberg, Jackson (Marquel) Renberg, Mack Renberg, Samantha (Thomas) Buns, Molly (Marc) Nelson, Rhett Dhondt, Mara (Fiancé Lukas Wogen) Heimbuch, and Max Heimbuch; Great-grandchildren, Lee, Louie, Lainey, Braylee, Avery, Porter, Boyd, Eleanor, and Miles; Siblings Keith Dhondt, Ilene Scott, and Lynn Dhondt; Brother-in-law, Merlyn Butcher; Sister-in-law Marieta Wenzel; several nieces and nephews; and special friend Carol Finn.
Lester was preceded in death by his wife, Marlys; his parents Edward and Irene; mother-in-law Ida Butcher; sisters-in-laws, Judy Dhondt and Mary Butcher; brothers-in-laws, Ken Scott and Jerry Wenzel; and nephew Jeff Butcher.
Sunday, November 10, 2024
4:00 - 6:00 pm (Central time)
Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory
Monday, November 11, 2024
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory
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