Les Neisemier

Lester Clifton “Les” Neisemier of Bennington, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020, ten days prior to his 88th birthday. He was being treated at Bergen Mercy hospital in Omaha, Nebraska, and was surrounded by his loved ones: Julia Neisemier (daughter), Elizabeth (Neisemier) Ledlow (step-daughter) and Mike Ehinger.

Les was born in Thayer in the family home of Georgia and Christian Neisemier. He was the fourth and youngest son. His older brothers who all preceded him in death were: Fred (Trudy), Clarence (Edith Ann) and Leo (Pauline) Neisemier.

Les was raised in Iowa, however yearned to travel and gain knowledge of other beautiful places within our United States. He began his journeys by joining the navy in 1950 where he served in Hawaii. He later worked and lived in California and New Jersey, returning to Iowa in the early 1970’s. He retired in 1998 from one of his favorite positions where he was an astute partner in a prominent Real Estate firm in Chariton. The following years would find him living in Missouri, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia where he made dear and close friends along the way.

Les lived his last few years in Bennington, Nebraska, tending to his home and farm. He had a love for all of God’s creatures, evident to all who knew him. In his last few hours at home, he was doing just that - tending to baby chicks. He gave to several charities including those supporting animal rescues and the Episcopal Church. He gave blood regularly, volunteered for Catholic Caring Families and without fail read from and lived by God’s scripture on a daily basis.

He is survived by two daughters: Julia Neisemier and Elizabeth Ledlow; five nieces and three nephews; Fred and Trudy’s children: Marlin (Sherry) and Connie (Ronnie), Clarence and Edith Ann’s children: Gary (Elaine) and Cheryl (John), Leo and Pauline’s children: Kathy (Gary), Cindy (Loren), Dan and Jane (Tom). His nephews and nieces also added another 19 grand nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to one of Les’s favorite charities; any local “no kill” animal rescue nearest to you, or to St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church located at 285 South 208th St., Elkhorn, Neb. 68022.

Due to the current state of affairs with the COVID-19 virus, Les’s celebration of life has been postponed until it is safe for all to gather together. Julia and Elizabeth will advise family and friends of updates as soon as they are able to do so.