Lester R. Bertels, 87, of Dorsey, died at Staunton Health and Rehab Center on Feb. 1, 2024. He was born Sept. 12, 1936 in Dorsey to the late Benhardt Bertels and Mary (Aljets) Bertels. He married Betty J. Grizzle Bertels on July 20, 1957 in Dorsey and she survives.

He was retired after having been a farmer and an electrician for the steel mill. Lester enjoyed woodworking, gardening, camping, playing cards and working on puzzles.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Bertels; sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Louis Enke.

He is survived by his children, Jeff (Melinda) Bertels of Dorsey, Tracy Smith of Bunker Hill, Keith (Ann) Bertels of Jefferson City, Mo., Karen (Joe) Fernandez of Mt. Olive, and Sharon (Steve) Honaker of Winona, Mo .; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Laurine Bertels of Marine, Ill.

Funeral services were held Feb. 7, 2024, at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey and interment was at Emmaus Lutheran Cemetery in Dorsey. Kravanya Funeral Home of Bunker Hill was in charge of the arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Emmaus Lutheran Church. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com.