LESTER HARRY SILVERTHORN

LESTER HARRY SILVERTHORN Lester Harry Silverthorn, 86, Beulah, ND, (formerly of Finley) died February 25, 2011 at the Knife River Care Center, Beulah. Visitation will be Monday evening at 5 p.m. at the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home in Finley with rosary at 7 p.m. Services will be at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, Finley, ND, at 10:30 a.m. on March 1, with Father Fineo officiating. Lester was born July 4, 1924 in Cayuga, North Dakota, on the family farm. As a boy, his family farmed in Cayuga, and Foreman, ND, before buying a farm in Bemidji, Minnesota. Times were tough, especially during the 1930’s, and the family raised cows, sheep, and pigs, and sold grain, eggs, milk, berries, and wool to make ends meet. Lester entered the U.S. Army in 1945. Upon discharge, Lester was employed with Beltrami Electric in Bemidji. He married the love of his life, Ann Marek, in November of 1950 in Bemidji. They moved to Virginia, Minnesota, where he was an electrician in the construction industry. He was hired by Ottertail Power Company and worked in Canby, Minnesota, then accepted a lead lineman position and moved his family to Finley, where they lived for 45 years. Lester loved the outdoors, and farming was in his blood. He worked for Don Good each spring and fall, and hauled sugar beets for Walt and Ruth Ratchenski in Cavalier, ND. Family was a priority to Lester, travelling to help celebrate milestones with his relatives. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and of their accomplishments. Lester did not give up even when times were difficult and maintained his dignity as he suffered through the trials of poor health. He enjoyed fishing, camping and cards. Lester and Ann were the best fans and cheered on their grandchildren whenever possible. Ann passed away in June of 2006. He was active in the Finley community as American Legion Commander, volunteer fire chief, and was president of the Finley Liquor Board. As a member of St. Olaf’s Catholic Church, he felt comfort and peace. Lester is survived by his one son, Roger (Sue) Silverthorn, Beulah, ND; three daughters, Patty Milton, Finley, ND, Jean (Tony) Alvarado, Hooper, Utah, and Joan (Dave) McDonough, Bonham, Texas; eleven grandchildren, Jeff, Randy, Janelle, Casey, Lindsey, Sara, Mary Claire, Michael, Jennifer, Douglas, and Paige; eight great- grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. He also leaves behind one brother, Virgil (Faye) Silverthorn) five sisters, Helen Moe, Mabel Dewey, Ardella (Clarence) Lindseth, Luella (Neal) Lindseth, and Virginia (Al) Williamson. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann, his parents, Harry and Marie Silverthorn, four sisters, Verna Sheets, Elaine Silverthorn, Irene Sellin, and Carol Jean Silverthorn. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 1. 2011 at 10:30 am in St. Olaf Catholic Church, Finley, ND. Visitation will be held Monday, February 28, 2011 from 5:00 till 7:00 in the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home in Finley, ND and one hour before services in the Church. A Prayer Service will be held Monday at 7:00 in the Funeral Home.