Lester Jerome Vongroven, 89, of Spring Grove, MN, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born on May 26, 1925 to Lars and Laura (Goodno) Vongroven.  He married Alvina Wiste on August 8, 1948 at Waterloo Ridge parsonage.  Dad was proud to slyly claim that he was a graduate from the University of Waterloo Ridge.

Lester enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and carpentry.  He had the talent to be able to build anything from nothing.   He greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors.  Lester was very proud of and took meticulous care of his yard.  He was a lifelong member of Waterloo Ridge Church.  Lester served his country during WWII in the US Navy Armed Guard, assigned to Liberty Ship transports in the Pacific Theate.  Dad operated Vongroven Trucking for over forty years, hauling grain and livestock from farm to market.   With a wealth of knowledge of farm locations and farmers’ particular needs, he then delivered planting supplies for Cenex for years.He also worked in maintenance for Gundersen Tweeten Care Center.  Lester was a wonderful father, super grand and great-grandparent; family was everything to Dad, regardless of the generation involved.  Dad and Mom have been  a wonderful example of what a good marriage should be.

Lester is survived by his children, Larry (Bea) Vongroven of La Crosse, Wis., Audrey (Doug) Walters of Elgin and Bruce (Kathy) Vongroven of La Crescent; and former daughter-in-law and special friend, Kathie Vongroven; grandchildren, Aimee (Dan) Schlueter, Jennifer Vongroven, Christopher (Michelle) Walters, Annah Walters, Jesse Vongroven, Travis Tisdel, Ashlay Tisdel, Alyssa Tisdel, Steven (Chevette) Schultz, and Christine Schultz; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Mary Schlueter, Marissa Walters, Evelyn Walters, Tristan Schultz and Mariah Christenson; brother, Silas (Beulah) Vongroven; and many other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Alvina; parents, Lars, Laura; and brothers, Garland (Marjorie), Norman (Julia), and their little brother, Dale Vongroven.

The family would like to thank Gundersen Health System Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Waterloo Ridge Lutheran Church in rural Spring Grove with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service also at the church.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the US Navy and American Legion Post 249.  Pastor Allen Hermeier will officiate.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.couleecremation.com