Lester O. Wildman, 94, went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2013, at Hospice of North Idaho’s Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene.

Lester was born in Gladstone, N.M., on June 13, 1919, the firstborn child of Milford Ottis and Sarah Elizabeth (McCartney) Wildman. He had one brother and two sisters. The family moved around a lot, but eventually found a home in Colorado where Lester spent his teenage years. In 1941 the family relocated again, this time to Utah.

In 1942 Lester joined the U.S. Army where he served as Cpl. in the 343rd Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division, “A” Battery Personnel. He operated all over Europe and was honorably discharged in 1945.

He returned to Utah where he began to purchase and farm land. He married Emma Mae Matthews in 1953. She passed away in the spring of 1954. After her death, Lester decided to move to North Idaho to be near family. He bought and farmed land in the Coeur d’Alene area.

Lester met Geraldine Turner in May 1957 at a dance at the Mica Flats Grange. They married three months later on Aug. 23, 1957. Through Gerry he gained two sons.

Lester was an active member of the Mica Flats Grange for more than 50 years. He enjoyed square dancing, playing cards (Pinochle) and making hay. He loved to hunt and fish, and truly appreciated farm life.

He is survived by one sister, Vera Weniger; three sons, William B. Turner, Terry L. Turner (Wendy) and Craig L. Turner (Barbara); five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; three nephews and seven nieces.

Lester is preceded in death by first wife Emma Mae (1954); his beloved second wife, Geraldine (2010); his parents; his brother, Richard and one sister, Lola.

Memorials may be made in Lester’s name to “The Children’s Village,” 1350 W. Hanley Road, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 or at www.thechildrensvillage.com.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Hospice of North Idaho’s Hospice House staff for the compassionate care they gave to Lester in his final days.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 20, 2013, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Immediately following the service, Lester will be laid to rest at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. A potluck reception will follow the burial at the Mica Flats Grange, 7465 W. Kidd Island Road, Coeur d’Alene.

English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, has been entrusted to handle the funeral arrangements. Please visit Lester’s online memorial at www.englishfuenralchapel.com.