Leonel (Lee) M. Bestul

Leonel (Lee) Monroe Bestul, age 86, of Iola, passed away at the Appleton Medical Center on June 6, 2013 with his loving family at his side. Lee was born in the Town of Helevtia, Waupaca County, Wisconsin on November 18, 1926, the son of the late Rueben and Inga (Moen) Bestul. He was confirmed and married at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Iola. Lee married Joan Quinn on April 12, 1952 being married for 61 years to his loving wife. Lee was drafted during his senior year of high school to serve in the United States Army during the WWII occupation of Japan. He inherited his Father's and Grandfather's mechanical ability and loved working with airplanes, cars and anything constructive. He earned his Aeronautical & Engine Degree at Parks College in St. Louis and worked as an airplane mechanic for North Central, Republic, and Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, MN for 27 years. Lee and Joan retired in 1988, returning to the beauty of Iola. In retirement he enjoyed rebuilding his sports car, travelling, building and flying model planes, and spending time in his workshops. Lee is survived by his wife, Joan Bestul of Iola, his daughter, Mary (Rolf) Lokensgard of Eagan, MN.; and son, Dwight Bestul of Rosemount, MN. He is also by grandchildren, Samuel (Ashley) Lokensgard of Woodbury, MN. and Siri Lokensgard of St Louis, MO. He is further survived by his sister, Delores (Don) Johnson, sister-in-law, Bea Bestul, and many nieces and nephews. Lee was preceded in death by a brother, Russell Bestul. The family would like to thank Dr. Dent of Thedacare in Waupaca, Lee's doctors and nurses at Appleton Medical Center for their care and compassion. Memorials may be given to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. Funeral Service will be held Monday, June 10, 2013 @ 11:00 AM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, in Iola, with the Rev. Dennis Olson, officiating. A visitation will be held Sunday 4-7 PM. at the Voie Funeral Home in Iola and again Monday 10:00 AM until time of service at at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. His memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part, God has him in His keeping, we have him in our hearts. Thanks be to God! Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com