Lester De Briyn, 89 of Thief River Falls, MN died peacefully on Monday, October 04, 2010 at Sanford Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN at 1:30 PM on Friday, October 8, 2010 with Father Rick Lambert officiating. Burial will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on October 15, 2010 at 12:45 PM, Assembly Area #5.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday.

Lester Albert De Briyn was born April 27, 1921 in Ashland, WI the son of Albert and Marie (Kurilla) De Briyn. He was baptized, confirmed and attended grade school at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Ashland. Lester attended DePadua High School, graduating in 1939.

Following high school, Lester worked for Roffers Chevrolet in Ashland as a mechanic, eventually becoming the garage foreman. In 1941, Lester proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country during World War II as a Machinist Mate and was honorably discharched in 1945.

On March 18, 1942 Lester and Gladys Ann Westman were united in marriage. Together, they made their home in Ashland, WI. For a brief time, before Lester left to serve in the Phillipines, their family lived in Florida. Upon his arrival home from the war, they again made their home in Ashland. He also returned to his previous employer, Roffers Chevrolet. In 1951, Lester was offered a trouble shooting position at General Motors, Chevrolet Division in Minneapolis. Lester was promoted to District Manager and was transferred to Moorhead for a short time. He then moved to Thief River Falls and held the position of District Manager for Chevrolet from 1954 " 1966. He was part owner of Weiner Motors from 1966 " 1969. Lester worked for Coast to Coast Hardware Store from 1969 - 1973. Lester was the Lead Mechanic for the City of Thief River Falls and retired from the City in 1983. Lester and Gladys lived in rural Thief River Falls from 1954 until the present.

Lester will be remembered as a hardworking man that could fix anything and enjoyed working on automotive and other mechanical equipment. Some of his favorite pastimes include cutting wood, fishing, hunting, bowling, golfing, playing bingo with Gladys, gardening and visiting with people. Deer Hunting was a special time for Lester. As important as the actual hunt was to him, it was just as important to spend time with his family during hunting. He spent many hours at his cabin in the Karlstad area. Lester had a great love for dogs and all animals. He was an active member of the VFW serving as Past Post Commander and District Commander. He also held memberships at the American Legion, Eagles, Elks Club, Thief River Falls Golf Course and the Kennel Club. Lester was a wonderful husband, Father, Grandfather and friend.

Survivors include his loving wife Gladys of 68 years; children, Gary (Randi) De Briyn of Greenfield Township, MN, Nancy (Bob) Larsen of Racine, WI and Paul (Lori) De Briyn of Houlton, WI; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jay) Bohlinger of Hanover, MN, Andrea De Briyn of Buffalo, MN, Keri Larsen of Racine, WI, Lindsay Larsen and significant other, Patrick Kenyon of Racine, WI, Kristi De Briyn of New York, NY, Kelsey De Briyn of London, England, Kayla De Briyn of Ithaca, NY and Karolyne De Briyn of Houlton, WI; great-grandchildren, Colin and Avery Brooke Bohlinger, Darian Larsen, Dylan and Lyla Kenyon; sister, Isabel Hunter of Duluth, MN; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his son, Ronald; great-granddaugher, Kira Larsen; his parents; brothers and sister, Ray Eleanor, Howard and Donald.


In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Area Food Shelf, PO Box 802, Thief River Falls, MN 56701

ORGANIST: Kristi LaSalle
SOLOIST: Shelly Burkel
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: How Great Thou Art & On Eagles Wings
PALLBEARERS: Members of the VFW and American Legion Post # 117