Lester Edward Aretz

Lester E. Aretz, age 89, died February 17, 2023 at his home in Annandale with family at his side.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday March 2, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with a reception following the service at The V in Maple Lake. The Celebrant for the service will be Fr. Kevin Magner and the Concelebrant will be Fr. Mark Pavlik. Les wanted his body to be donated to the University of Minnesota for medical study. Upon the completion of the study, his cremated remains will be interred at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery in Maple Lake.

Les was born May 1, 1933 in rural Maple Lake to John and Eleanor (Dircks) Aretz. He was baptized at The Church of St. Timothy in Maple Lake where he remained a lifelong member. Les graduated from Maple Lake High School and Dunwoody Technical Institute. Les served from 1955-1957 in the U.S. Army. On June 6,1959 he was united in marriage to Janet Johnson at St. Philips Catholic Church in Litchfield. Les was a member of the Maple Lake American Legion, Maple Lake Lions Club, and served on the Maple Lake Fire Department. Les was very active in the community, could make or fix most anything, and was a mentor to many through vocational mentorship. He worked at Wright Hennepin Electric for 39 years, retiring in 1995. In retirement, Les and Janet traveled with their motorcycles and motor home all over the United States and Canada. After they saw everything they wanted to see, they slowed down to enjoy their grandkids and great-grandkids. This is when Les started making the miniature tools (smile if you have one).

Les is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters, Brenda (George) Conzet of Buffalo, Stephanie (Tom) Lucken of South Haven, Bonnie Aretz of Buffalo Lake, Renee Maass of Chaska, Jennifer Pullins of Parkers Prairie, and Leslie (Jason) Nyholm of Kimball; 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Eleanor; stepmother, Ardele; and siblings, LeRoy, LaVerna "Lu", Marilyn, and Anna Lu.

Krista Elsenpeter and Linda Smith will provide the music for the service. The Maple Lake American Legion and VFW Honor Guard and the Army National Guard Honor Guard will provide military honors for the service.

Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

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