Lester “Corky” Leslie Albaugh, 94, Dickinson, passed peacefully on Monday, January 12, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. Lester’s Celebration of Life Service will be 1 p.m., Monday, January 19, 2026 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with Pastor David Jenkins as officiant. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota, in the Spring where he will rest eternally next to his wife, Margaret. The Inurnment date and time will be announced at a later date.
Lester was born on February 4, 1931, in Hazelton to Harley and Mary (Cowles) Albaugh. He was raised and educated in the Sterling and Bismarck area.
Lester was united in marriage to Margaret Edna Knudson on September 9, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bismarck. Lester and Margaret adopted two children: Rebecca Nybeck from Germany and Allen Albaugh from Bismarck.
Lester loved to horseback ride, travel with his wife, play cards, and dice. He also enjoyed playing outdoor games such as washer toss and ladder ball. In Lester’s free time, he enjoyed woodworking, riding horses, and pretending to win when playing “marbles”. It was not often that you found Lester indoors. He loved being outdoors and always had something or saw something to work on or build.
After retirement, Lester hauled travel trailers and trucked all across the United States and he knew every highway, every interstate, and all the back roads. He loved to drive and put many miles on with grandma by his side and us kids/grandkids in the backseat.
Lester served honorably 35 years in the United States Army. He was drafted in 1951 and discharged in 1986. Lester served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served 12 months in Korea, where he was a Platoon and Motorpool Sergeant. He then went on to serve in France in 1952, where he was a heavy equipment operator and instructor. Lester served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 as a non-commissioned officer in charge. After being honorably discharged from the United States Army, he joined the North Dakota National Guard, where he ran a platoon, was a heavy equipment operator, and was First Sergeant for a Medevac Helicopter. Lester also served in the Army Reserves, but those dates are unknown. His highest rank was Specialist First Class E7.
Lester was the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Service Medal for his service in Korea and Vietnam, Army Achievement Medal, and the Emergency Service Ribbon. He was a dedicated member of AmVets, American Legion, DAV, and a lifelong member of the VFW.
Lester is survived by his daughter, Rebecca Albaugh-Nybeck, Bismarck; daughter-in-law, Patricia Albaugh; five grandchildren, Desirae Stangle, Dickinson, Miranda Hermanson (fiancé, Todd Thomas), Dickinson, Kelsey Woodham, Bismarck, Karissa Albaugh, Bismarck, and Kolton Albaugh, Bismarck; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and an abundance of friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Albaugh; his parents, Harley and Mary Albaugh; son, Allen Albaugh; sisters, Darlene Anderson, Lina Gaab, and Lillian Albaugh; and his brothers, James (Jim) Albaugh, Harold Albaugh, and Allan Albaugh.