Lester ‘Les’ Gutknecht

Lester “Les” Gutknecht, age 92, of Fairhaven, died Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Annandale Care Center. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Monday, June 12, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven, with Rev. David Buchs officiating. Burial followed at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation began at 10 a.m. at the church on Monday. Lester William Gutknecht was born July 12, 1930, in Fairhaven to Herman and Martha (Luedtke) Gutknecht. Les grew up on the family farm near Fairhaven and attended elementary school in Fairhaven. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1948. In 1952, Les was drafted into the United States Army. He honorably served his country during the Korean War. Upon his discharge, Les returned to the farm. On July 28, 1956, Lester was united in marriage to Viola Mae Kantola at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in Cokato. In 1958, Les graduated from St. Cloud State University. He and Vi made their home in Crystal, where they raised their three children. In 1988, they moved back to Fairhaven. For 30 years, Les worked for the USDA as a procurement analyst, retiring at the age of 56. Les was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Concordia Lutheran Church. Upon moving back to the are, Les served as an elder, usher, voter secretary, assistant financial secretary, as well as a longtime cemetery committee member for the church. He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking and playing cards. He is survived by his children, Diane (James) Anthony of Deer River, Leslie (Steven) Elvert of Rochester, and Larry (Mary) Gutknecht of South Haven, eight grandchildren, Laura (Dan), Karissa (Scott), Jaana (Tim), Hannah, Jamie, Andi, Joe (Kelly), and Sarah (Jake); 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Rosie Dutton of Coon Rapids; sister-in-law Carol Gutknecht of New Hope; and nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vi; and brothers, Elmer, Victor, Marven, and Ervin. Scott Schultz, Dan Hunt, Tim Caldwell, Joe Kerber, Jake O’Konek, and Michael Rose served as casket bearers. Lynn Hoff provided music for the service. Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball. The obituary, guestbook, and video tribute are online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.