Lester “Les” Gutknecht of Fair Haven died Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Annandale Care Center. He was 92. 
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 12, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fair Haven with Rev. David Buchs officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church Monday. Burial will follow at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery.
Lester William Gutknecht was born July 12, 1930, in Fair Haven to Herman and Martha (Luedtke) Gutknecht. Les grew up on the family farm near Fair Haven, and attended elementary school in Fair Haven. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1948. In 1952, Les was drafted into the United States Army, and he honorably served his country during the Korean War. Upon his discharge, Les returned to the farm. On July 28, 1956, Lester was united in marriage to Viola Mae Kantola at the Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church in Cokato. In 1958, Les graduated from St. Cloud State University. He and Vi made their home in Crystal where they raised their three children. In 1988, they moved back to Fair Haven. For 30 years, Les worked for the USDA as a procurement analyst, retiring at the age of 56.
Les was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Concordia Lutheran Church. After moving back to the area, Les served as an elder, usher, voter secretary, assistant financial secretary, and a long-time cemetery committee member for the church. He also was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, and playing cards.
Les was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vi, and brothers Elmer, Victor, Marvin and Ervin.
He is survived by his children Diane (and James) Anthony of Deer River, Leslie (and Steven) Elvert of Rochester, and Larry (and Mary) Gutknecht of South Haven; grandchildren Laura (and Dan), Karissa (and Scott), Jaana (and Tim), Hannah, Jamie, Andi, Joe (and Kelly), and Sarah (and Jake); 19 great-grandchildren; sister Rosie Dutton of Coon Rapids; sister-in-law Carol Gutknecht of New Hope; and nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Scott Schultz, Dan Hunt, Tim Caldwell, Joe Kerber, Jake O’Konek, and Michael Rose will serve as casket bearers. Lynn Hoff will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.