Lester Hetland, age 93 of Bottineau, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at a Bottineau nursing home.  His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Lunch will follow at the Cobblestone Inn.  Memorials are preferred to the Bottineau County Veterans.

Lester Hetland, a son of Palmer and Laura (Boettcher) Hetland, was born on July 2, 1929 in Bottineau. He was baptized at the Lesje Lutheran Church and spent his younger years on a farm near Roth.  He attended a one room school in Roth and the graduated from Souris High School in 1947.  He was one of 7 seniors and played basketball.  He them attended the North Dakota School of Forestry in Bottineau and received an associates degree.  In January of 1951 Lester entered the US Navy and served in the Korean War.  He trained at the US Training Center at the Great Lakes and from there he was stationed on the USS Frybarger.  He received his Honorable Discharge on October 28, 1954 at the US Naval Base in San Diego.  He remained good friends with several shipmate through the years.

He then attended North Dakota School of Science in Wahpeton and received his trade school diploma.  He then returned to farming on the family farm near Roth until retirement.  In 1972, he married Valarie Hayhurst and they moved into Bottineau where Valarie  managed the Golden Keys apartments.  Valarie passed away on March 1, 1978.  In 2013, Lester moved into the Bottineau Good Samaritan Center where he resided since.

Lester was always optimistic and good humored.  His hearty laugh was a delight to hear.  He was well read and enjoyed western history and world affairs.  He loved sports especially watching the Twins and Vikings.  He was also the champion bingo player at the Good Sam.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret Barovich, special cousin, Gary (Lynn) Boettcher, several cousins and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents , he was preceded in death by his brother, Duane Hetland; sister-in-law, Joan Hetland and brother-in-law, Earl Guss.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuenralhome.net.