Lester H. Flaten, 88, of Eau Claire died Thursday, November 4, 2004, at Dove Healthcare. He was born on October 29, 1916, on his family farm in Trempealeau County near Strum, the son of George and Cora (Gilbertson) Flaten.\r\nLester married Helen M. Wang in Eau Claire on August 13, 1938.\r\nHe owned and operated Les Flaten Homebuilders until his retirement in 1980. He was a charter member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, and a 60 year member of Eau Claire Moose Lodge #1408. \r\nFamily and friends share many memories at the cabin where Lester enjoyed hunting and being outdoors.\r\nHe is survived by two sons, Robert (Linda) and John (Susan), both of Eau Claire; daughter, Sharon Murtagh of San Antonio, TX; six grandchildren, Christian (Diane) Flaten of Duluth, MN, Carrie (Travis) Burnett of Eau Claire, Matthew Flaten (fiancée, Shannon Collett) of Madison, Sarah (Mario) Hesles of Eagle Pass, TX, Rebekah (J.R.) Huerta of San Antonio, TX and Leah (Raylon) Hoechler of Stanton, TX; six great grandchildren; sister, Mary Jane (Harold) Smith; brother, Roger (Joanne) Flaten; and sister-in-law, Elaine Flaten, all of Eau Claire; brother-in-law, Newell Pettis of Altoona; and many nieces and nephews.\r\nLester was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen "Margaret"; two grandchildren Joseph Murtagh and Faith Flaten; sister, Minerva Flaten; two brothers, Horace and Jerome; two sisters-in-law, Lillian Pettis and Dagney Brownell; and brother-in-law, Elmer Brownell.\r\nFuneral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 8, 2004, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd with Pastor John E. Hosmann officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery. Family and friends may call 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Monday at the church. \r\nFamily requests memorials please be directed to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Building Fund, 1120 Cedar St., Eau Claire, WI, 54703.

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