Lester E. Kufahl, 91, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 18, 2010. Lester was born December 29, 1918 in Gridley, Kansas to Emil Bernard and Emma Augusta (Nichlas) Kufahl. Lester joined the Army Air Corps when he was 22 yrs old and he married the love of his life, Sarah Kathleen Burke, October 3, 1942. Lester and Sarah lived the life of a dedicated Army Staff Sergeant for over 30 years. They had two children, Linda Kay and Curtis Allan and lived in many places throughout the United States.

Lester served his country overseas on Okinawa where he earned the bronze star. He was Crew Chief and Airplane Mechanic and worked on various aircraft keeping our boys safe in flight throughout their ordeal during the war. Once the war was over he continued working as an Airplane Mechanic at several of our Air Force Bases as he loved keeping the airplanes in the air.

Lester retired from the service in 1973 and made Cherokee, Texas their retirement home. They lived and loved in Cherokee until 1991 when they moved to San Angelo, Texas and then to Buellton, Ca. in 1995 to be near their daughter Linda Kay Sigle and her family. Lester and Kathleen lived in the Ranch Club Estates where they made many lifetime friends. After the death of their daughter Linda in 2006, they moved to the Tri Cities to be near their son, Curtis Kufahl and his family. Lester loved his family and friends and was a faithful member of the Baptist Church. His favorite hobby was modeling Antique Model Airplanes through 1942 and built them to scale. Over the years he has given his very close friends some of his finest works to cherish and admire. In 2006 the Santa Barbara News Press came to his house and wrote an article about his love for Airplanes and featured many pictures of them in their article. At that time he was 87 years old and still able to create the delicate features of the airplane. Lester was never more proud of his hobby.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Kufahl; two brothers, Roy Lester Kufahl and Lawrence Kufahl; two sisters, Ida Pinon and Golda Livingston; and his daughter, Linda Kay Sigle.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Sarah Kathleen Kufahl; sister Verna L. Baxter, Onega, Kansas; son, Curtis A. Kufahl and his wife Marlayne, Tri Cities, WA.; son-in-law David L. Sigle, Solvang, CA.; grandchildren; Angela (Brent) Boone, Heidi Sigle, Lance Sigle, Linda Marie Sigle, Micheal A. (Heather) Kufahl, Michele (Charlie) Peiffer and Sarah (Josh) Stanton; nine great grandchildren; ten nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives. Lester has a large family and was deeply loved by all.

Funeral Services will be held at the Cherokee Baptist Church at 10:00 AM March 6, 2010, with Rev. Jody Simmons, officiating, and graveside services at the Cherokee Cemetery in Texas on March 6, 2010. In honor of Lester E. Kufahl, the family asks that memorials be made to the Cherokee Cemetery Association, Cherokee, Texas, or to your favorite Charity.

The family will be receiving friends at the Cherokee Baptist Church from 9:00 – 10:00 AM March 6, 2010.

Funeral Services under the direction of Howell-Doran Funeral Home.