Lester Buresh

Lester F. Buresh, 82, of Mount Vernon, died of lung cancer Thursday, June 3, 2004, while wintering in his in Mesa, Arizona home. A celebration of his life will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Mount Vernon First Presbyterian Church by the Reverend Emory Gillespie. Les's daughters will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time. A private inurnment service with military rites will be conducted at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Arrangements by Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices, Mount Vernon Chapel. Surviving Lester are his loving wife of 61 years Doris; of Mount Vernon, three daughters: Linda (Gene) Brouillette of San Diego, California, Cindy (Lee) Prewitt of Edina, Minnesota, and Barbara (Alan) Clarke of Orlando, Florida; a brother Ernest (Joanne) Buresh of Cedar Rapids; a sister Joan (Billy) Ratliff of Albuquerque, New Mexico; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Lester was born February 11, 1922, in Swisher, to Joe and Emma Stanek Buresh. He graduated from Shueyville High School and married Doris Krob of Ely on December 12, 1942. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II, was assigned as a bombardier on a B-29 heavy bomber at Okinawa, and was a member of Hahn-Howard American Legion Post #480. Upon completing his service to his country, he worked in the farm implement business in Cedar Rapids. Lester purchased his own dealership, Buresh Implement, in Mount Vernon in 1949. In 1963, he went into partnership with his brother Ernest in the banking business. Les was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Mount Vernon. He was a member of the Mount Vernon Masonic Lodge #112, was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the El Kahir Shrine of Cedar Rapids. Les served on the Mount Vernon City Council. Lester was an avid pilot and enjoyed flying his own airplane around the country. His family and friends will always remember his sense of humor, devotion to the Iowa Hawkeyes, family and home, and raising the best tomatoes in town. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014; or the American Cancer Society, 2929 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85016, or charity of donor's choice.