Shalz, Lester J. 1938-2025 Wathena, Kan.

WATHENA, Kan. – Lester J. Shalz, 87, of Wathena, Kansas, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 20, 2025. Lester was born on May 15, 1938, in Wathena, to the late Nicholas and Esther (Dyer) Shalz. He was a graduate of Wathena High School and received his B.S. in mortuary science from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Mr. Shalz proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Lester was united in marriage to Marilee (Madinger) on Sept. 13, 1958. Together they celebrated 64 years of marriage and raised their six children. Lester was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Lester and Marilee owned and operated Colonial Funeral Home from 1973-1987. In 1987 they moved to Franklin, Nebraska, where they operated Hutchins Funeral Home, until retiring in 2004 and returned to Wathena.

Lester’s greatest love was spending time with his family. Making many cherished memories on the Missouri river and traveling in their 5th wheel. Lester was a car enthusiast especially when it came to Cadillacs.

Mr. Shalz is survived his six children, Michelle Vandevort (Ted), of St. Joseph, Nick Shalz (Jan), of Green Hills, Ohio, Mark Shalz, of Kansas City, Missouri, Shana Barrera (AJ), of San Marcos, Texas, and Tiffany Sindelar (Marc), of Papillion, Nebraska; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Robert Shalz, St. Joseph; and sisters-in-law, Karol Bembrick (Dennis), Wathena, and Melinda Miller (Jim), Wathena.

In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his wife, Marilee; son, Michael K. Shalz; son-in-law, David Miller; and sister, Joan Williams.

Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel at 3609 Frederick Blvd., St. Joseph, where the family will receive friends one hour prior 10 to 11 a.m. Interment at the Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.