Lt. Col. Lester Dale Bergsten

Lt. Col. Lester Dale Bergsten, 93, of Peoria, passed away on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Proctor Place in Peoria. He was born on July 8, 1930 in Concordia, Kansas, a son of Samuel Bergsten and Florence (Smith) Bergsten. Lester married Jeanette Elsie Griggs on January 25, 1953 in Delphos, Kansas. They were married 63 years. Jeanette preceded him in death on April 8, 2016 in Peoria.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Lester Bergsten; and grandson, Houston Lee Arrowood.

Lester is survived by his two children, Dr. Eric Dale (Rebecca) Bergsten of Lombard and Ann Lee Arrowood of League City, Texas; two grandchildren, Tova Bergsten of Oak Park, and Galen Bergsten of Tucson, Arizona; two great-grandchildren, Jase Arrowood and Macy Arrowood, both of Friendswood, Texas.

He was a graduate of Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Lester received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also received upon graduation his Second Lieutenant Commission in the United States Air Force through four years of ROTC training.

Lester was called to active duty during the Korean War. He served on active duty and reserve assignments for 37 years with the United States Air Force. During his tenure he was an instructor on the atomic bomb and later served as a liaison officer for the United States Air Force Academy for 20 years in Central Illinois, counseling students from area high schools and ICC in relation to entering the USAF Academy.

He received the following commendations from the United States Air Force: National Defense, USAF 20 Years of Reserve Service, Air Force Service, Outstanding Unit Award (twice), and Air Force Commendation. He retired with 37 years of service with the United States Air Force in 1990 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Lester worked at Caterpillar, Inc. as an engineer for 40 years, retiring in 1992. He had assignments at the Peoria Proving Ground, Gas Turbine Engine Division, and the Product Safety and Environmental Control Division.

He served on the Peoria City Council as the District 5 Councilman for 20 years from 1973 to 1993. On his retirement from the city council, he was honored by having the Peoria Public Works Facility on Dries Lane named after him. One of his key assignments while on the city council was working on a joint city-county committee that oversaw the construction and operations of three Peoria City/Peoria County Landfills. He served on this committee for over 44 years. Lester was a key person in working out the annexation of Pioneer Industrial Park and Willow Knolls Shopping Center to the City of Peoria. He was active in the Republican Party and served as a precinct committeeman for many years.

Lester was a member of Pi Tau Sigma, Steel Ring, Society of Automotive Engineers and held life memberships in the Silver Falcon Association, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Air Force Association, and Reserve Officers Association. He was a registered professional engineer in the states of California and Illinois.

Lester's funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at University United Methodist Church in Peoria. Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce. His visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 16, 2024 at the Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. An additional visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday at his church. Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Delphos Cemetery in Delphos, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be shared with Lester's family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.