Lester Nielsen

Lester H. Nielsen, 94, passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017, at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital in Thermopolis following a period of declining health.

Born January 7, 1923, in Thermopolis, he was one of four children of Hans and Carrie (Andreen) Nielsen. After graduation from high school he worked on the family farm/ranch at Lucerne. During WWII he served in the US Army from 1944-1946.

Lester married Jean E. Hammond October 24, 1943, in Thermopolis. Lester later went into business for himself working with heavy equipment in the construction industry.

Active in the county, he was involved in FFA from 1938-2008, receiving a 70-year award. He served on the board of Directors of the Wyoming State Highway Department, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, Hot Springs REA Board, later representing the Rocky Mountain Region. He was a charter member of the Lucerne Water District upon its creation.

He was a member of First Baptist Church. His hobbies included fishing, snowmobiling, traveling and watching his kids and grandkids at their various events.

He is survived by his sons, Marvin (Barbara) of Thermopolis and Fred (Phyllis) of Glenrock; daughters, Alice Parrish of Highland Haven, Texas, and Darlene (Mike) Maser of St. George, Utah; nine grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; son, Duane; and wife, Jean in 2005.

Funeral services were August 8 at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Nathan Winter officiating. Burial followed at Monument Hill Cemetery. Mortimore Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Online messages may be offered at http://www.mortfh.com.