Lester L. Borkowski, son of Gustav and Marie (Biastock) Borkowski, was born October 11, 1918, in Lincoln Township, Audubon County and died March 12, 1995, at the Burgess Memorial Hospital in Onawa at age 76 years, five months, and one day. He was baptized in November 1918 and confirmed in July 1933 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln Township. He attended rural school in Lincoln Township then worked at the salvage yard in Audubon. In March of 1941 he was inducted into the United States Army. During his tour of duty he served in the Pacific Theater. He was involved in the closing days of the battle for Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, with the 711th Tank Battalion of the 7th Division. He was honorably discharged October 25, 1945.

November 9, 1945, he married Thelma Dittman at the Christian Church in Audubon. They raised eight children: Dolores Faye, Beverly Marie, Gloria Jean, Donald Laverne, David Earl, Lori Ann, Penny Sue, and Reta Donnabell. He was a block layer for Thompson Construction Company for many years. He then worked for Layland Insulation for several years. He worked for McKorkle Construction Company of Sac City until he retired in 1980. He then moved to Chariton. He resided with his friend Mary Grothe. He was a member of the Dale Christensen Post No. 4119, V.F.W. Audubon.

Preceding him in death were his son Donald Laverne Borkowski; his grandchildren: twin granddaughters, Emily and Allison Meaike; and Briar Mulford; his parents; and his brother, Victor Borkowski. Survivors include his wife, Thelma Borkowski of Audubon; his children: Dolores Gourley of Fremont, Nebraska; Beverly (Charles) Parkhurst of Harlan; Gloria (Gary) Mulford of Audubon; David Borkowski of Atlantic; Lori (Pete) Hansen; Penny (Randy) LaFoy all of Audubon; and Reta (Jim) Loukota of Goodman, Missouri; 22 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; his sisters: Hilda Borkowski and Lorena Rudolph both of Audubon; his special friend, Mary Grothe of Chariton; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services were held March 16, 1995, at the First United Methodist Church, Audubon with Rev. Harvey Quandt officiating. Burial was in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon. Military graveside services were conducted by the Dale Christensen Post No. 4119 V.F.W., Audubon. Casketbearers were: Mike Daugard, Scott Daugard, Jason Mulford, Steve Mulford Todd Parkhurst, Tyler Parkhurst, and Kip Spencer.

Kessler Funeral Home Audubon in charge of arrangements.