Lester William Schmoker, 73 of Kellogg died on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at his home, with his family by his side. Les was born on March 9, 1951 to Bonnie Clifford and Lester Schmoker. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1970. He married Earlene Eggers on September 5, 1970. They lived in rural Kellogg, MN on the Schmoker homestead. He was employed by Ind. School District 861 on the maintenance staff until retiring in 2000 due to a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis.
He was the bedrock of the family, lived a big life to the end and was so much larger than his human form.
Les carved out his signature look of ball caps, suspenders and House of Fleet Farm Fashion. Daily attire required pockets on all his shirts for that is where he stashed treats for the grandchildren. Every meal was customized to his liking with Miracle Whip and 18 grinds of the pepper mill.
Once out of the work harness, he stipulated that it be written into his retirement contract of a nap to be promptly taken at 1 p.m. We marveled at how many pre-naps could be taken but he somehow shoehorned them in between his relentless surfing of the western channels starring John Wayne, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. The grandchildren were teased incessantly by him. “Good morning, morning glory” was his theme song and he would belt it out, off-key amid the groans and covering of ears with blankets when they spent the night. They would compare it to chalk being scratched on a blackboard.
Living within his means was his motto. Also included was – “Fight the good fight—save it for a rainy day—it could be worse—be thankful for what you have and it’s been a wonderful life.”
A major point of pride was his family and during the times of confinement due to his many illnesses nothing could bring a smile quicker to his face than hearing the kitchen door opening and the voices of his family. When asked what his greatest achievement was, he readily replied, “The one thing that fills me with pride is the ability to witness the accomplishments of my family.”
He was a simple man, whiskered and wise, leading a simple life, on his own terms—never seeking out medals, awards or a standing ovation. What he always had, and always will have, is a family who longs for his smile, his laugh and his generosity.
Our farm was paid in full by his aching muscles, calloused hands, elbow grease and sweat. His hands hammered, held babies and grandbabies, gardened, constructed for family and friends. His hands have lovingly held his main squeeze for better than half a century. His hands were the hands of a man giving, not getting. He has completed his work, made his mark and now Jesus has taken his hands and welcomed him into His presence. — “Welcome home, welcome home.”
Lord, grant him a small cabin with a view of the bluffs and near a creek where the deer come to drink in the evening and where the birds sing to him.
“…two shall be grinding at the mill. Then one shall be taken and the other left.”—anonymous
Les is survived by his wife of 54 years, Earlene; sons, Jon (Laura) Schmoker and Matt (Jodie) Schmoker; grandchildren, Byron (Paige), Collin (Jorden), Olivia (Caleb), Maddie, Abby, and Julia (Nathan).
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Schmoker.
Visitation will be on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, MN from 4pm to 7pm.
Funeral Service will take place on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview, MN at 11am with a 1-hour visitation prior to the start of the service.
Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Minneiska, MN.
Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family with arrangements.
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