Lester Albert Schademann, 95, of Albion, passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the Arbor Care Center in Fullerton.

Lester, son of Albert and Margaret (Cegavske) Schademann, was born on June 2, 1928, in Primrose. He attended Albion Public Schools until he was 16, at which point he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After WWII, he returned home and graduated from Albion High School. Following his high school education, Lester worked for the railroad.

On July 18, 1948, Lester was united in marriage to Dorothy “Dot” Ann Austin at the Congregational Church Parsonage in Albion. Dot often told the story of how her mother paid for their marriage license. Lester farmed south of Albion before moving to Lake Geneva, WI in 1957, where he was herdsman at Lookout Valley Farm, along with being a 4-H leader in the 1960’s. He moved to Watertown, WI and established his own farm in 1971. Lester and Dot returned to Albion in 1977. He soon began his own lawn care business and worked as custodian for Albion Public Schools. Later, while also working nights at Lindsay Manufacturing, he continued his lawn care business, mowing and trimming lawns until he was in his middle eighties. Being the ultimate farmer, Lester enjoyed spending his free time outside. He liked tending his yard, gardening, planting flowers and feeding wild finches. Nothing made him happier than sharing his garden produce with others. Lester loved to go fishing, camping, and making memories with his family. More than anything, Lester will be remembered by all for his sense of humor, his kidding around with everyone he met, and his great love of life.

Lester is survived by his son Mike (Tami) Schademann of Albion, daughter Ann (Marvin) Olsen of Fort Atkinson, WI, four grandchildren: Dorie Rose of Albion, Mary (Ben) Haenni of LaCrosse, WI, Laura (Neal) Kickbusch of Crystal, MN and Hailey Schademann of Mexico City, Mexico, four step-grandchildren: Christopher (Sara) Olsen of Cottage Grove, WI, Sarah Olsen of Milwaukee, WI, Adam Tolly of Columbus and Jeremy Tolly of San Francisco, CA, four great grandchildren: Evelyn Rose of Albion, Dakota Rose of Grand Island, Ash Olsen of Cottage Grove, WI and Alexander Haenni of LaCrosse, WI, sister Lavonne Olnes of Norfolk, along with many other relatives and friends.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy “Dot” Schademann in 2020, son Lester Steven, sister Iola Fox Gaffey, brother Marvin Schademann and grandson-in-law Jamie Rose.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11 a.m., at Levander Funeral Home in Albion with Pastor Ruth Boettcher and Pastor Mary Avidano Hubert officiating. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 162, VFW Post 736, both of Albion, and the Navy Funeral Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at a later date at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Levander Funeral Home in Albion.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.