Lester J. Bunnell Jr. 'Bubs, Sonny, Chicken' — Rochester

Lester J. Bunnell Jr. "Bubs, Sonny, Chicken" – Rochester.

Lester J. Bunnell, 79, of Rochester, peacefully left this world Tuesday, March 18, 2014, after a long, courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

Lester was born July 28, 1934, in Minneapolis. In 1952, he joined the U.S. Navy where he earned the ranking of E-9 master chief petty officer. He served during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Uvalde where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. He also served on the Infamous Riverboats in Vietnam. After being discharged, Lester continued doing per diem work for the Navy, traveling to many universities throughout the U.S. as a recruiter and also did many motivational speeches on his behalf. He was well respected.

Lester was married to Lois Lee but was later divorced. He had his own drywall business, which kept him busy until retirement.

Lester enjoyed traveling, going to casinos, watching NASCAR and the Vikings. He enjoyed going to all of the U.S.S. Uvalde Reunions. He loved spending time with family down at the Severson's Pond. Most of all, Lester loved spending time with his two granddaughters, McKenna and Miranda.

He is survived by his daughters, Deaneen (Quentin) Gaalswyk of Rochester and Brigit Bunnell Risch of Rochester; three stepsons, Curt (Kathy) Johnson of Rochester, Jeff (Judy) Johnson of Plainview and Rich (Beth) Johnson of Mansfield, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, McKenna and Miranda Gaalswyk, Cindi, Cortni and Steven Risch, Garrett, Grant, Trevor and Connor Johnson, Heather, Jenna, and Lexie Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson and Steven and Andrew Miller. Also surviving are two sisters, Barb (Louis) Linsmeyer of Pembine, Wis., and Marion (Francis) Severson of Grand Meadow; a brother, Bruce (Helen) Bunnell of Albert Lea; many nieces and nephews as well.

Lester was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Wooding and a son, Bruce Bunnell. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Marion Bunnell and Deaneen's mother, Shirley Johnson.

The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the Cottagewood staff for Lester's kind, capable and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held at Macken Funeral Home, River Park Chapel on Sunday, March 23, at noon. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. in the River Park Chapel.

His wishes were to be cremated. Internment with military honors following the service will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences are welcome mackenfuneralhome.com .