Lester Alvin Proctor Sr.

Lester Alvin Proctor Sr.

February 1, 1945 – May 3, 2025

Lester Alvin Proctor Sr., 80, of Rochester, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on May 3, 2025, with his beloved daughter by his side.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton, Iowa, where attendees are requested to wear Lester’s favorite color, blue. Funeral services will follow Friday, May 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Fry Funeral Home, with a luncheon at the Tipton VFW immediately afterward. Following the service, Lester will be cremated, and his family will hold a private burial at Rochester Cemetery at a later date, where he will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife, Ellen.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

A Life of Strength and Dedication

Lester was born on February 1, 1945, in Lime City, Iowa, just outside of Rochester, to Thomas Marshall Proctor and Bertha Mary Ford Proctor. The youngest of eleven siblings, he grew up surrounded by nature, developing a lifelong love for hunting, trapping, fishing, and spearfishing at the quarry. He often set diddy poles in Sugar Creek, finding joy in the land and the traditions passed down through generations.

Lester honorably served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 and was a proud veteran, earning the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Rifle Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. His service to his country was a source of deep pride, and he carried the values of dedication and resilience throughout his life.

After returning home, Lester worked as a tool and die maker, a career that showcased his skill, precision, and problem-solving abilities. He spent years at Lewis Rich as a maintenance supervisor before continuing his craftsmanship in tool and die work, retiring from All Steel in 2011. Known for his ingenuity and ability to fix anything, Lester was highly respected in his field.

A Devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather

On November 28, 1970, Lester married the love of his life, Ellen Carol Clements, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton, Iowa. Their love story began at Highway Gardens Dance Hall, where he first noticed Ellen. She often remarked that Lester was a great dancer, though whether it was his love for dancing or simply his love for Ellen that made him light on his feet, we may never know. They shared 51 wonderful years together, raising their family and creating a lifetime of memories until her passing in August 2022.

Lester’s children and family meant everything to him. Though he experienced deep loss—the passing of his wife, two sons, and grandson—he remained a pillar of strength, cherishing the time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love for them was unwavering, and his presence in their lives was a source of comfort and guidance.

A Man of Many Passions

Lester had an incredible talent for building, repairing, and fabricating. He built his shop, cabin and pond, worked on endless projects, and took great pride in his ability to tinker and create. He loved spending time sharing a beer with his closest friends, enjoying a shot of Fireball whiskey, and cracking jokes that brought laughter to everyone around him.

An avid animal lover, Lester was always rescuing and caring for creatures in need—whether it was a dog, cat, turkey, raccoon, goose, or owl. His frequent trips to the Kalona Sale Barn often resulted in him bringing home a new addition to his ever-growing animal family.

Classic cars were another passion of Lester’s. His 1969 Camaro and 1953 Chevy 3100 pickup truck were among his greatest treasures. After years apart from his Chevy truck, he was able to reunite with it on December 28, 2024, where it was lovingly restored by his son-in-law, Shaun, with the engine from his beloved Camaro installed in place of the original in the truck. On March 22, 2025, Lester took one final ride, bringing his journey full circle in a moment of pure joy.

A Legacy of Strength and Wisdom

Lester was a hardworking, intelligent man, proving that success comes not only from formal education but from wisdom, ingenuity, and the ability to provide for family. He had an independent spirit, a practical mind, and an unwavering determination to get things done. His humor, generosity, and resilience made him someone people turned to for both help and companionship.

Lester is survived by his daughter Kari (Shaun) Donahue, honorary son Travis (Jennifer) Clements, sister Linda Martin, daughter-in-law Vickie Proctor, sisters-in-law Gracie Gritton, and Brenda Brown, brother-in-law Edward (Shelley) Clements, grandchildren MacKenzi, Austin, Hannah, Connor, Samantha, Tylyn, Hailey, and Taylor, great-grandchildren Kayne, Haven, Calvin, Mason, Taya, Makari, Raelynn, Bowen, Tesslynn, and his beloved corgi, Mini Pearl.

Lester joins those who preceded him in death: his wife, Ellen Proctor, his father, Thomas Proctor, his mother, Bertha Proctor, his sons Billy Joe Proctor and Lester "Les" Proctor Jr., his grandson, Matthew Proctor, his sisters Barb Proctor, Ruby McCormick, Mary Beningger, Darlene Stender, Doris Smith, Bonnie Hunter, and Alice Burr, and his brothers Alvie Proctor and Donnie Proctor.

Final Resting Tribute

Lester lived a full and meaningful life, finding joy in family, friends, craftsmanship, nature, and the love he shared with those around him. His strength, kindness, and wisdom will continue to inspire all who knew him.

The Proctor family has endured great loss, but Lester’s memory remains a source of love, resilience, and deep connection.

The family invites all to gather at the Tipton VFW following the funeral for a luncheon in Lester's honor.

Online condolences, photographs, and memories may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com