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Lester Stille

1896 - 1952

 

Lester Stille, 55, a lifetime resident of this community, died at his home in Klemme, Friday evening, February 1, 1952.

He was born on the Stille farm two miles west of Klemme, Iowa, March 27th, 1896, the first of four children born to his parents, William F. Stille and Sarah (nee) Koerner. As a boy and man, he continued to live on this farm for over half a century.

He completed his common school education in a rural school nearby; attended Ellsworth College at Iowa Falls, and then completed his business training at the Capitol City Commercial College in Des Moines, Iowa.

In April 1919, at the age of 23, Lester Stille and Helen Hartzell were married at Eldora, Iowa. They commenced housekeeping on the Stille farm two miles west of Klemme and continued to live there until retirement in June 1949.

They were the parents of three children. One son died in infancy, and two daughters survive.

Mr. Stille is a Veteran of World War I, and a Post Commander of Adams-Schaefer Post of the American Legion.

Mr. Stille was baptized, attended religious instruction, was confirmed and became member of the Liberty Methodist Church. Later Lester and Helen Stille transferred to the Klemme Methodist Church.

Mr. Stille was an active man, and besides his farming operations he took time to be helpful as a Public Servant. He was a Trustee and School Director in Liberty Township: and at present is on the Board of Directors of the Klemme town schools. He is a member of the Klemme Methodist Official Board. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Hancock County Memorial Hospital at Britt, Iowa. Mr. Stille is Secretary to the Board of Directors of the Klemme Co-Operative Grain Company; and is the P. M. A. Committeeman for this community. And thus, for many years, Mr. Stille gave much time and effort toward the welfare of our community.

Mr. Stille became seriously ill in December, 1951. A short stay at a Mason City hospital gave only temporary relief, and a few weeks after his return home his life's story ended on February 1st, 1952 at the age of 55 years, 10 months and 5 days.

He leaves of his immediate family; his wife, Helen Stille, two daughters, Ruth (Mrs. Lavon Tue) and Lois Stille.

He also leaves his father, Mr. Wm. F. Stille of Mason City, Iowa; two brothers, Harvey Stille and Donald Stille of Los Angeles, California, and one sister, Elvira (Mrs. Lee Anderson) of Charles City, Iowa, and other more distant relatives, and friends.

source: Times, Klemme, Iowa, 6 Feb 1952, page 4, column 1