Lester G. Buckman, 96, Dickinson, formerly of Belfield, died Sunday, August 31, 2014 at St. Benedict’s Health Center, Dickinson. Lester’s memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2014 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Dickinson, with Rev. Michael Wolters officiating. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Military honors will follow at the church provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the church.

Lester G. Buckman was born July 26, 1918 on the family farm near Belfield, the son of William and Lillie (Frank) Buckman. He attended the Belfield Public Schools, graduating from high school in the mid 1930’s. He went to work for Northern Pacific Railroad in 1939 until October 1942, where he was a maintenance painter, sign painter and painting contractor.

Lester was united in marriage to Caroline Weiss on October 7, 1947 at Dickinson. They lived in Belfield from 1951 to 2011, and then they moved to Hawks Point in Dickinson, remaining there until May 2014 when they made St. Benedict’s their home.

He joined the United States Navy and served honorably from October 31, 1942 to February 16, 1946. He had served in Tunisia and the Philippines. Lester returned to Belfield and went to work for the U.S. Postal Service for 18 years, and also Franklin’s Fairway Store until his retirement at the age of 65.

He was a member of the American Legion, and Lutheran Laymen’s League. He enjoyed watching the wildlife, hunting, fishing, and gardening.

Lester is survived by his wife, Caroline; son, Austin (Sarah) Buckman, Aurora, Colo.; three grandchildren, Miles (Miranda), Hannah (Daniel), and Lisa; and one sister-in-law, Sara May Buckman, Belfield. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter and son-in-law, Nora (David Sperber) Buckman; and two brothers, Franklin and William.