Lester K. Naas

Lester K. Naas, 87, Devils Lake, ND died on Friday, May 06, 2005 at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Lester will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Harold Ovre will officiate. Graveside Services for Lester will be held on Tuesday at 1:45 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Kloten, ND. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake on Monday from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Members of the family will be present from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers for Lester will be: All of Lester’s friends, neighbors and Federal Crop Insurance co-workers. Active Pallbearers will be: Lester’s nephews: Michael Naas, Wendel VanWechel, Lynndel VanWechel, Dean Naas, Duane Naas and Terry Naas and Lester’s Godsons, Richard Hanson and Ronald Anderson Lester Kenneth Naas, the son of Tom and Agness (Drengson) Naas was born on January 25, 1918 on the home farm at rural Kloten, ND. He was baptized March 10, 1918, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, rural Kloten, by Pastor O.J. Overbo. He was educated in the Kloten Public School, graduating from Kloten High School in the class of 1936. Lester played high school and independent basketball for the Kloten Tigers, coached the Kloten Norsemen, and refereed at area games. He then farmed in Lee and Field Townships in Nelson County, concentrating on small grains. Lester was united in marriage to Harriet Ronningen on June 30, 1940 at West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Binford, ND. They established their home on a farm near Kloten. While farming, Lester also worked with the Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service. In 1966 he began his full time career with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Federal Crop Insurance program. He and Harriet moved to Devils Lake at that time. He also worked out of the Federal Building in Bismarck, ND. He always sought to increase his knowledge and expertise of agricultural issues, attending and leading workshops and seminars throughout the United States. Lester retired in December of 1984. For 18 years, Lester and Harriet spent the winter months in Texas. In the summer, they enjoyed camping and fishing with their friends and relatives. Lester was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, served on the church council and also sang in the church choir. He served on the Kloten Farmers Union Elevator Board, as clerk for the Kloten Public School Board and for Lee Township. Lester was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and former member of the Devils Lake Eagles and Elks Lodges. Those thankful for having shared in his life include: His wife of nearly 65 years, Harriet Daughters: Linda Kay Naas, Beulah, ND Bonnie Grimes and her husband, Eddie, Grand Forks Son: Marvin Naas of Devils Lake Grandchildren: Jamie Grimes and his wife, Karla and their children, Mason and Bryar all of Fisher, Minnesota Special Friends: Mitchell Heisler and his daughter, Hannah, and Nicci Heisler, all of Minot Brothers and Sisters-In-Law: Irving and Alaine Naas Tracy and Rosalie Naas all of McVille, ND Sisters and Brothers-In-Law: Ieleen Naas Avis and Willard VanWechel all of Mayville, ND Nieces and Nephews: Barbara (Rodney) Adrian, Michael (Rae) Naas, Wendel (Ruth) VanWechel, Virginia (Craig) Mueller, Lynndel VanWechel, Dean Naas, Duane (Chris) Naas, Vickie (Dave) Cleveland, Norean (Gary) Hoots and Terry (Karen) Naas. Many cousins also survive. Lester was preceded in death by his parents and a 4 year old sister, Irene Naas Friends may sign the on-line register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com