Lester L. Wagler

Lester L. Wagler, 80, of Pekin died at 7:06 am Thursday, August 27, 2009 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born August 28, 1928 in Peoria, IL. His parents were Willis and Flossie Wagler. He married Bonnie L. Drake on September 1, 1957 in Groveland, IL. Surviving is: his wife, Bonnie of Pekin; one daughter, Debbie (Greg) Garmers of Newburgh, IN; one son, Bryan Wagler of Pekin; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A grain and dairy farmer, Lester farmed on Rt. 9 in Tazewell County. He also was employed by Pekin Hospital and Pekin Insurance. He was a member of Groveland Missionary Church and the Tazewell County Farm Bureau. He was an active member of the Brown Swiss Cattle Association. He once helped take Brown Swiss dairy cows to the King of Saudi Arabia. He served as a leader of the Elm Grove Hustlers 4-H Club for eleven years. Lester enjoyed traveling, gardening, photography, dinner theater and talking to people but most of all, he loved his family.