Family was very important to Lester. Some of the things he enjoyed were hunting, fishing, skateboarding, camping, riding ATV’s and motorcycles.
Lester was a very creative person who loved to invent things. He had a passion for rebuilding and restoring his collection of Vintage motorcycles. He was an excellent cook and loved to cook for other people. He loved his family dearly and through his ability to connect with anyone and everyone he created many lasting friendships. What really shined through the most was his generosity, eagerness to help others and willingness to put others needs before his own. He will be loved and missed by so many.
Lester was preceded in death by his nephew, Austin Jirikowic, and mother-in-law, Norene Bridge.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cheryl Dearth; daughter, Kristen (McClain Gitch); parents, Jim and JoAnn Dearth; sister, Julie (John) Jirikowic; father-in-law, William Bridge and many relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at Roseberry’s Funeral Home in Friendship. Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Joann and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl, I am so sorry to hear of Lester’s passing. Sending you comforting prayers and healing hugs.
Bobbie
So very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Cheryl so sad to hear of your loss lester shall be missed by all. I will try to be there sat am, xoxo pat & Brenda true
Our hearts and prayers go out to the Dearth family. I’ve had a great friendship with Lester’s daughter Kristen. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Kristen’s parents, she is a lovely, smart funny person and I imagine her father Lester and mother had a lot to do with it! Hope your sadness passes a little bit each day.
The Carroll Family
Sorry to hear of Lester’s passing, I enjoyed working with he and Al at Placon. Thoughts and prayers for Cheryl, Kristen and family.
Sorry to hear of Lester’s passing, I enjoyed working with Lester and Al at Placon, they made the job fun. Thoughts and prayers for Cheryl, Kristen and family.
My condolences to the family. I worked with him at placon. Great guy
I am so sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Lester well but he was one of the first people to welcome us to the neighborhood on buttercup ct. It was always nice to visit with him as he sat outside his garage enjoying the fresh air. We are sad to know that he is gone.
Please know that if you need anyone to help you or just to talk we are right next store in the red house on the hill. I have two strong adult boys that live with us and a good heart to listen.
LAURINDA AND MICKEY AT 1115
Cheryl,
Sorry to hear about Lester, what a great guy. Tom Jensen and I were always looking forward to seeing Lester and Al Venden during deer hunting season when they hunted near Blanchardville. I was glad to read in the obituary that you two had been married for 32 years.
I will be praying for Lester, you, and your family,
Life is good, even in these sad times,
Matt Jackson
The last time I saw Lester was in Verona and he was taking great pleasure in knowing I wanted his cranapple Pan Head‼️‼️ Lester and his dad (Jim) built this bike out of box. Jim told me that the bike won MANY AWARDS. I might add he was the cutest baby I ever babysat for-gosh he was cute ❤️. RIP LESTER AND I HAVE A LOT OF HARLEY RIDERS IN HEAVEN, ride free cuz. Jim, JoAnn and Julie god will walk with you on your new journey. Love you ? guy’s.
Such sad news! It’s been a while, but Lester was an awesome guy. Stay strong!
So sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Brenda Campbell
Cheryl, Kristen,
We are so saddened to hear of Lester’s death and wanted to let you know that we are keeping you in our hearts and prayers. Hugs to all!
Uncle Norton, Aunt Rosemary and family.
Very sorry to hear of your passing,
RIP Lester
Sorry for your loss though I have seen him for a long time he was a friend
Oh my gosh I can’t even find the words to say how sorry I am to hear of your sons and husband passing. Thoughts and prayers going out to all his family and friends . Just keep the memories in your hearts
Thoughts and prayers to the family. We have lost too many too young and too soon.
My deepest condolences to Jim & JoAnn, Lester’s wife and children and everyone that was lucky enough to know such a great guy. My memory of Lester was when we were just kids, hanging out at grandma Metz’s &Grandpa Joe’s house during Christmas time. I barely spoke English, but the big get together was always fun. I didn’t really know him, but I remembered seeing him, along with Julie and the rest of the Dearth clan year after year at Christmas time. Those were the good times. I pray God will somehow comfort all of you during this very difficult heart breaking time.
Cheryl and family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of
Lester. Many, many fond memories of fun times in Madison together. Fishing, camping, skateboard times,laughs, hanging out at your house in Verona.
Lester always made you feel welcome
Cheryl and Kristen, my prayers to you all. RIP LESTER. MARY ANN HANSON
Cheryl and family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of
Lester. Many, many fond memories of fun times in Madison together. Fishing, camping, skateboard times,laughs, hanging out at your house in Verona.
Lester always made you feel welcome
Cheryl and Kristen, my prayers to you all. RIP LESTER. MARY ANN HANSON
We are so sorry for your loss, he was too young for this to happen. RIP Lester. I’m sure Austin was there to greet you at the Golden Gates. Hugs to all who needs one.
Our family lost a great Man.
He will be missed.
My condolences have some fond memories of him and the family he will be missed
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Son Lester. Our Thoughts and Prayers to you, your family, and friends. Love and Hugs to All.
There are no words that I can find to say how sad I am with Lester’s passing. He will be missed. RIP Lester ?
You all are in our prayers! May Lester rest in peace!!
My heart is breaking with all of you. Grieving his loss is surreal. I pray everyone who was touched by Lester over the years keeps his memory alive and strong, and finds healing and peace in the process of navigating this tender tragedy.
My heart goes out to the entire family. RIDE HARD and FREE CUZ !!!!!!!
Our condolences to the family. Lester
will be greatly missed by family ,friends and customers. He was a very outgoing,well-liked man. He will be remembered as both his father’s and grandfather ‘s namesake…Keith always enjoyed visiting with him. May God keep and Bless him.
Julie and John, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your brother and brother-in-law at this difficult time.
Ike and Lois Wolfgram
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lester will live in the hearts of all that knew him. Hugs to all.
We are so sorry for your loss Kristen. Even though Jon and I did not get the opportunity to meet your dad I feel like I know the kind of man he is based on the daughter he raised. To say he was a proud father is an understatement I’m sure. We love you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Lester is now with Austin and looking down on his family with much love and pride.
Take care,
what a gutwrenching blow this is to me and all that knew him! Our entire family will miss him at our gatherings. sweet dreams- your memory will live on forever!!
My thoughts are with the family during these difficult times. I will remember his smile and ability to talk with everyone. Hugs and prayers to all.