Mary Kay R. Lester

Mary Kay Lester, age 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. She was born on September 23, 1951 in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Mary Kay was a graduate of Kaukauna High School class of 1969. Raised on her family farm in Kaukauna, Mary Kay developed a love for horses. Shortly after high school, while vacationing in Virginia Beach, Mary Kay met Dan. They were married in 1972 and in the years to follow, the family grew with three children and seven wonderful grandchildren. They enjoyed over 38 years of marriage together. She was employed at St. Nicholas School working in the kitchen as the lead cook for many years and later took her talents to Aurora Bay Care and St. Elizabeth hospitals. In her younger years, Mary Kay enjoyed racing stock cars with her brothers at the Wisconsin International Raceway. She also enjoyed going fishing with her partner, Jim. Above all, Mary Kay was devoted to her grandchildren and loved spending time with them attending their activities and events. She embraced every moment spent with her family, filling their lives with love, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.

Mary Kay is survived by her husband, James Biese; children: Jon (Sally) Lester, Mike (Katie) Lester, and Gina (James) McLemore; grandchildren: Megan and Macy Lester, Hunter and Kylie Lester, Dani Rose, Jacomus, and Zakai McLemore; siblings: Linda (Florian) Van Handel, Bob (Lee Ann) Jackels, Joe (Lisa) Jackels, Pam (Jerry) Sturm, Tony (Beth) Jackels; and sister-in-law: Karen Jackels. She is further survived by many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Louis and Bernice Jackels; husband, Dan Lester; brother, Bill Jackels, niece, Tracy Van Handel, and her mother and father-in-law: William and Marcia Lester.

A visitation for Mary Kay will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, N3972 Columbia Ave., Freedom, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church, W2037 County Rd. S, Freedom. Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Mary Kay’s honor. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Paul Home and St. Paul Hospice for the great care and compassion they provided.