Lester Raymond Straub

Hamilton - Lester Raymond Straub, 87 of Hamilton died Friday, January 29, 2010 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
He was born March 22, 1922 in Kulm, North Dakota to the late Jacob and Rosa Spitzer Straub. During the depression, Lester quit school after 6th grade in order to help his parents earn a living in their grocery and meat market. He was a member of the CCC's in North Dakota and sent money home to his parents. He helped build some of the 1st fire lookouts during his days in the CCC. He was a member of the U.S. Army and was a POW during WWII.
On December 4, 1949 he married Doris Ruth Kludt. He worked in meat packaging plants when he moved to California with his parents at 25. He began a retail meat cutter career when he was hired by Safeway in 1950.
Upon retirement, Lester was a member of the Chico, CA Seniors and a member of the Bidwell Park Golf Club in Chico. He was also a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chico and Grace Lutheran Church in Hamilton.
He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Straub, his parents, brother Harry, sister Delores and brother Donald.
Surviving include his daughters, Sharon Johnson of Corvallis, MT. and Mary Hardison of Hamilton, MT.; son, David Straub of Jameston, CA; 2 grandsons and 2 great grandchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the American Lung Association of the Northern Rockies or the local VFW.