Lester R. Kirchen

Lester R. Kirchen, age 86, a Manitowoc resident, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at his residence.

Lester was born on May 11, 1935, in Manitowoc, son of the late Lester E. and Cecelia (Levanetz) Kirchen. He was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the class of 1953. Lester then attended Marquette and the Wisconsin State College in Milwaukee. On June 25, 1960, he married the former Diane Poulos in Manitowoc. She preceded him in death on September 28, 2013. Lester was employed in the human resource/manager department for Kelvinator and later retired from Federal Mogul. He was a lifetime member of the Manitowoc Marine Band and served on the Manitowoc County Industrial Safety Council. Lester enjoyed playing racquetball at the YMCA, traveling in the US and abroad and sharing his musical talents with his children and grandchildren. Above all else, he cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

Survivors include one son: David Kirchen, Manitowoc; three daughters and sons-in-law: Ann & David Freigang, Brookfield, Christine & Mark Nickels, Manitowoc, Sandra & David Watkins, Milwaukee; nine grandchildren: Eric and Michael Freigang, Tia Nickels (significant other Jack Kallies), Mikhail Nickels (significant other Jordan Gibbon), Drake (Christina) Nickels, Shelby Nickels (fiancé Jared Heinzen), Meghan (Bruce) Tuma, Alex Kirchen and Dimitra Kirchen (fiancé Brandon Truett); four great grandchildren: Tristan, Lilliana, Parker, Henry; and his close companion: Lorraine Wavruk. Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Robert, Paul and John Kirchen; and one sister: Kathleen Kirchen.

Cremation has taken place at All-Care Cremation Center, Manitowoc, and funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo (1121 N. 14th Street), Manitowoc. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Doug LeCaptain with burial of Lester and Diane’s cremated remains to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, Manitowoc, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

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