Lester R. Nienow, Sr.
Help us celebrate Lester! Please share your stories and photos, and invite others who remember Lester.
Les Nienow Sr., at 89, passed into glory on Friday morning, July 22, 2022.
His transition was peaceful as he held the hands of his daughter Linda, and son-in-law, Rusty Hammel, who had lovingly cared for him for two and a half years in their home in Port Lavaca, Texas. Near the end, Linda whispered in his ear, "Remember Dad, you're my Hero!" He responded softly, "No Linda, you're my Hero." Shortly after, he drew his last breath.
Lester was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Feb. 22, 1933, to Edward and Clara Nienow. He was the youngest of nine children; brothers Gus, Tony, Erv and Raymond, and sisters Evelyn (Brendemuehl), Ellie (Shank), Jeanette (Borkowski) and Bernice (Borchardt).
Lester married the first and only love of his life, Joan Clair Spear, March 15, 1952. They celebrated 53 years of marriage until her death on Jan. 31, 2006. Together they raised five children, LeRoy, Linda, Donna, Lester Jr. and Laura. For most of their married life, Lester was a truck driver. He loved his profession and was very skilled at it. After retirement, Joan and Les said goodbye to the snows and bitter cold of Milwaukee and moved to Cedar Oak Mesa in Wimberley, Texas to live out their days.
Les was a simple, kind, good-humored man, generous to a fault, both with his time and resources. A true "Good Samaritan," you'd be hard pressed to find a neighbor he hasn't helped... repeatedly. He was fun-loving, with a great sense of humor and always a pleasure to be around.
Lester lived life to the fullest and he was good at almost everything he did, whether it was clearing the dancefloor doing the Polish Hop with Joan, or his 187-league bowling average, or golfing with Les Jr. and his boys. He was a talented golfer with a 10 handicap, and he actually shot his age three separate times. At home he loved playing his huge electric organ that would light up like the cockpit of an airplane! He was also a master of the Wii in virtual bowling. Remarkably, he bowled 18 perfect three hundred games back-to-back. Just a game you say? Try it... the man was a machine!
Lester also loved eating out! There are scores of waitresses all over Wisconsin and Texas who are sure they are Lester's very favorite, and he always rewarded good service with a generous tip! He would never leave it on the table though, for fear of having it stolen. He preferred to tuck it into their hand, flash a charming smile and say, "Here, this is for you".
Lester was also an attentive and meticulous caregiver. In her final years, Les selflessly and lovingly took care of his wife Joan, seeing to her every need. Later he took care of his sweet poodle "Libby Doo," who had many health issues near the end. Then there were his precious hummingbirds! His neighbors in Cedar Oak Mesa could never understand why they only had a trickle of birds, while Les had his own hummingbird sanctuary. They would tap on his kitchen window to let him know when it was time for a refill, and they were all over him before he could even hang the feeders! He spent many mornings watching them frolic from his breakfast table!
He was a kind and caring man, with good humor and simple pleasures.
Jesus would say of him, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
Lester is survived by his sister Jeanette Borkowski, his five children, LeRoy Nienow (Maggie), Linda Hammel (Rusty), Donna Craft (John), Lester Nienow Jr. (Leslie), and Laura Daniels, (whose son Danny is the only grandchild to precede him). Lester is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. The entire family will dearly miss their beloved patriarch.
All who knew or were touched by this good man are welcome to join his friends and family as we celebrate his rich life and transition into glory.
There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday July 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Hope Reformed Baptist Church, 210 East Main Street, Port Lavaca, TX.
In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Pregnancy Help Center of the Crossroads Area. https://phccrossroads.org/
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