Lester G. Nowacki

Lester G. Nowacki, 86, Athens died Wednesday, July 3, 2019 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill.

He was born December 23, 1932 in Athens, son of the late Frank and Alma (Boneske) Nowacki.  On July 18, 1953 he married Delores Heldt in Athens.  She preceded him in death on December 4, 2014.

Lester was a life-long dairy farmer in the town of Bern.  Some of his favorite pastimes included fishing, hunting, traveling and playing cards, especially Sheepshead and Cribbage. He also enjoyed mixing cookie batter, butchering, sausage making and spending time with his family. Lester will forever be remembered for his ability to strike up a conversation with almost anyone and always making them laugh with a joke or witty comment.

Lester proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War.

Survivors include his children, Barbara (Michael) Horne, Mosinee, Roger (Laura) Nowacki, Athens, Donna (Harvey) Blaubach, Wausau, David (Cindy) Nowacki, Athens, Kathy Schreiner (Jeff), Medford, Jim Nowacki, Athens, Diane (Duane) Blaubach, Athens, Karen (Mark) Golding, Merrill and Robert (Buffy) Nowacki, Athens, 28 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Lester is further survived by his two brothers, Andy Boneski, Germantown and Bernard (Bernice) Nowacki, Medford as well as his one niece.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one great granddaughter, Stephanie and his sister-in-law Betty Boneski.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.  The Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate.  Burial will be in the Athens Lutheran Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the Athens American Legion.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or School.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Ascension St. Clare's Hospital of Weston, Aspirus Hospice and Comfort Care of Wausau, and Woodland Court Elder Services of Merrill for their outstanding care and compassion they all shared with Lester during his stay with them.