Lester R. Van Dyke Obituary (1929 - 2016)

Lester R. Van DykeDes MoinesLester R. Van Dyke, 86, of Des Moines passed away peacefully on January 3, 2016. Lester was born January 25, 1929 in Ewart, Iowa to Rev. Henry and Wilhelmina Van Dyke. He attended Newton High School achieving numerous athletic and scholastic honors. Lester received a football scholarship from the University of Iowa, graduating in 1951. Lester served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant. Lester married Shirley A. Henderson in 1963 and were blessed with 47 years of marriage. Together they raised four children. Lester retired as a Vice President of Sales for a lawn and garden company after a long and successful career. Lester was an avid golfer and was a member of Wakonda Country Club for over 50 years. He was a volunteer at the Drake Relays for over 15 years. He loved to travel and spent the winter months in Peoria, Arizona. Lester is survived by his stepchildren: John Mahnke, Lise Mahnke (Mary), Amy Mahnke, and Eric Mahnke (Paula); four grandchildren: Nicole Walstrom (Jim), Kathryn Owens (John), Isabelle Mahnke, and Ana Fairbanks-Mahnke; two great-grandchildren: Talan and Torren Walstrom and was anticipating the imminent arrival of a third, baby girl Owens; two sisters: Francis Riggs and Wilma Van Baron; and brother-in-law, Stacey Henderson. Lester was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents and a brother. Memorials may be made to Blank Children's Hospital. Private services will be held.