Lester Fornkohl

Lester Marvin Fornkohl, 85, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014 at his home surrounded by family.

He was born Oct. 17, 1928 in Egypt Mills to the late Henry C. and Mary D. (nee Comer) Fornkohl. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. A.H. Schmidt at Trinity Lutheran Church of Egypt Mills.

Lester married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Jean Moore, on Jan. 23, 1950. He worked as a foreman in the propeller shop at the Missouri Dry Dock and Repair Co. more than 40 years, retiring in 1996.

His pride and joy was taking care of his vegetable garden and raising chickens. He loved to share the bounty of his garden with his family and many friends. He was especially proud of growing his "pink girl" tomatoes. He loved to take tomatoes and fresh eggs to his doctor and dear friend, Dr. Charles Lastrapes.

Lester is survived by his wife of 64 years, who he loved dearly, Barbara Fornkohl of Cape Girardeau; sons, Eldon (Pat) and Kenneth (Sharon) Fornkohl, all of Egypt Mills; brothers, Norman (Betty) and Delbert (Sue) Fornkohl all of Egypt Mills; sister, Eva (Ray) Feuerhahn of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren who affectionately called him "Pa", Shannon (Alexia) Fornkohl, Jason D. Fornkohl, Justin (Betsy) Fornkohl, Aaron, Ryan, Jennifer and Crystal Fornkohl; two great-stepgrandchildren, Hayley and Kaitlyn Stagg; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Oscar, Glenn, Lawrence and Bobbie Gene; and three sisters, Opal, Doris and Mabel.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Scriptural Evangelical Lutheran Church of Egypt Mills, with the Rev. Mark K. Rogers officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery.