Lester Harold “Les” Jonson February 10, 1936 - August 1, 2021

February 10, 1936 – August 1, 2021

Lester Jonson, 85 of Hilmar, passed away on August 1, 2021 at his home.

He was born on February 10, 1936 to Johan Holger & Elsie (Erickson) Jonson.  He was raised and educated in Courtland, CA.

Lester met his future wife Inger in Sweden during a visit in 1957. They kept in touch by snail mail until while Lester fulfilled his military service and Inger completed nursing school. Inger immigrated to Tacoma, Washington and they eventually married in Sacramento on May 19, 1961.

Lester farmed in the central valley throughout most of his life with a brief stint bringing western farming techniques to Iran in the early 1970s. He was also the proprietor of Hilmar Feed and Supplies and the Blueberry Hill Roping Arena. In addition, Lester ran a strawberry sorting operation for Driscoll along with a variety of other entrepreneurial ventures. He was a supportive and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Lester is preceded in death by his brothers Elmer T. Jonson and Arthur H. Jonson.

Lester is survived by his wife, Inger S. Jonson of Hilmar, his children Michael Jonson of State College, PA, Paul Jonson of Turlock, CA and Arne Jonson of Hilmar, his sister Ethel E. Keema of Elk Grove, CA and three grandsons, Erik Jonson of Atascadero, CA, Evan Jonson of Jacksonville, FL, and Connor Jonson of State College, PA.

Private family services have been held.  Allen Mortuary in charge of arrangements.