Lester Dale Strohm, 80, went home to be with the lord at 12:10 pm Tuesday, Fabruary 4, 2020. He had been confined to his home under care of his family since mid-December after a diagnosis of cancer. Lester was born on July 12, 1939, the son of Richard and Gertrude Strohm of West Union, IL. He grew up on the family farm, beginning to drive the tractor at the young age of 6. He played basketball and football for the Marshal Lions and was a graduate of the Marshall High School Class of 1957. After graduation, Lester spent a year in the Army National Guard. Upon returning home, he met the love of his life, Mary Lou Gunder. The couple were wed on May 23, 1959. They were blessed with four children Gary, Shannon, Mark, and Sherri. Lester farmed and worked as an iron worker for over 30 years. He retired with son Shannon assuming operation of the farm. He loved sports. He and Mary Lou loved to attend Marshall Lions Football games and when they couldn't attend in person, they enjoyed listening to the games on WMMC radio. Lester had an encyclopedic knowledge of college and professional sports of the last 60 years. After high school, Lester played softball at West Union for many years an then switched to golf, which was easier on his knees. He enjoyed playing at the Marshall Golf Course and in retirement, he would also travel with his buddies to other golf courses in the area. He would play every possible day from early spring to late fall. Even after his cancer diagnosis, was able to complete the golf season last fall at the age of 80. In the winter and when the weather was bad, he enjoyed playing cards with his friends. As much as Lester enjoyed his own sporting experiences, he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports and participate in other activities even more. He was very proud of all their accomplishments. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Helping Hands, Knights of Columbus an American legion Post #90. He was a former member of the Clark County Board, Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Jaycees. Lester is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou; Son Gary and his wife Melody; Son Shannon; and Daughter Sherri Walstrom and her husband Brian; Grandchildren Serena Simeoli, Adrienne Kim and husband Sam, Andre Strohm and wife Macy, Wolf Strohm, Clarissa Walstrom, Morgan Strohm, Cassidy Walstrom, Carson Strohm and Carly Walstrom; great grand-daughter Tinlee Strohm; sister Ginny Abby; brother-in-law Don Gunder and his wife Pat; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joyce Walker; and son Mark Strohm. While he is now back to full health in a much better place, Lester will be missed terribly by his family an friends. A Celebration of Life Mass of the Christian Burial service will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 8 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in marshall, Illinois. Visitation will be held 4-8 PM on Friday February 7th at the Pearce Funeral Home, 314 S 6th St. in Marshall, Illinois. Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Marshall. In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Marshall Golf Course, P.O. Box 501, Marshall, IL 62441. pearcefuneralservices.com