Lester Rawlings

Lester "Les" Rawlings Jr. 76, Wausau passed from this life Tuesday, February 12, 2008 surrounded by his loving family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, after a short courageous battle with cancer. Les was born November 29, 1931 in McAllen, Texas son of the late Lester and Flossie (Hemmerling) Rawlings. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an M.P. for 12 years, having duties in Japan, Korea and as a Color Guard member in our nation's capital for President Eisenhower. After leaving the military Les was a Marathon County sheriff's deputy for 12 years, being well know for his abilities as an excellent marksman. He was a member of the competition shooting team, winning many awards with the pistol. After leaving the sheriff's department he owned and operated Rawlings Music, the Cop Shoppe Tavern and later the Lenard Street Pub in Wausau with his wife Carol. After retirement Les and Carol enjoyed spending their winters in his hometown and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Les married Carol Jahnke on February 20, 1963. She survives along with their three children Carla (Steve) Locher, Kirk (Carolyn Martin) Rawlings and Connie (Tom) Nienow, his grandchildren Travis, Kate, Heather, Ashley and Thomas and his great granddaughter, Mikala, all of Wausau, one sister Rosemary (Dale) Schaefer, Archer City, Texas along with many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws. Les enjoyed many pastimes throughout his life, especially hunting and fishing with his son and buddies. Some of his other favorite pastimes included going camping with his family, sponsoring the Rawlings Music Softball Team, bowling with his nephews but most of all he could always be found on a beautiful summer day on the golf course with his friends and son-in-law at Trappe River golf course. Les showed his love of life, family and friends by helping with anything asked of him, usually with a smile and whistling a little tune as he did so. Les always found kind words for every situation, delivered with wit, wisdom and a slight Texas drawl. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his many friends and family and also his many beloved family pets. Les will be honored with a "Celebration of Life" Saturday February 16th 2008 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Baker's Retreat (formerly Lenard Street Pub) Banquet Room. In lieu of flowers it is the family's wishes that donations be made to Grace United Church of Christ or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Lester's family would also like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Aspirus Palliative Care Unit for their support, compassion and care for Les and his family during this difficult time. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com