Lester A. Dellies of Watersmeet passed away Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at home at the age of 90.

He was born November 29, 1916 in Watersmeet, the son of the late August and Blanche (Nye) Dellies. Lester graduated from the Watersmeet School. He was married in 1934 to the former Palma Peretto who preceded him in death in 1994.

In his earlier years, Lester was employed in the logging industry and on the construction of the Alaskan Highway telephone line prior to entering the Armed Forces in 1944. He served in the 329th Infantry in World War II landing on Omaha Beach two days after D Day. As part of Patton's 3rd Army, Lester and the 329th fought across wintry Europe. Of the original 230 men of his Company, only 17 were left. Lester received two unit citations, a Silver Star and the Purple Heart during that campaign.

Lester retired from the Watersmeet School System where he was employed as a custodian for 26 years. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Ironwood Council #1396, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a member of the local American Legion Post. Lester was a Trustee on the Watersmeet Township Board for over 20 years. Lester was a life long hunter, fisherman and guide. In later years he enjoyed his trips to Canada to fish.

Lester is survived by sons Martin and Warren (Joyce), two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, sister Helen Caudill Titusville, Fl. nephews Frank (Kathleen) Kuchevar, Nick (Sherry) Caudill Northlake, Il., nieces Elizabeth Britton, Titusville Fl., Mary (Jon) Freisinger, Chicago, Il. Other survivors include brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous caring friends.

Besides his parents and his wife, Lester was preceded in death by his sister Delores Monti.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church, Watersmeet. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at the Watersmeet Cemetery at a later date.

Dennis Brown of the Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.