Lester “Les” Kolling, 77, passed away at CHI St. Alexis Dickinson on January 5, 2025. No services will be held at this time.
Lester, a native of Dickinson, North Dakota, was born on July 24, 1947, to Joseph and Anna Kolling. He grew up in Dickinson and on the family farm where he was one of sixteen children. He graduated from Dickinson High School in 1965 where he participated in football, basketball, and track. In 1967, he joined the United States Air Force and received an honorable discharge in 1972. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Lester settled in Williston, North Dakota, where he was the manager of a Simonson station store. He eventually returned to Dickinson, where he spent nearly three decades acting as guardian and caregiver for his beloved brother, Keith J. Kolling.
Lester was a fan of all Dickinson High School sports and, when he was able, would attend all DHS sporting events. He enjoyed reading about United States military history and was especially interested in the life and times of George Armstrong Custer.
Lester is survived by four children: Todd, Holly (David), Brad (Jennifer), and Jason; six grandchildren: Morgan (Justin), Andrew, Tyler (Jordan), Ashley, Keeley, and Landen; and five great-grandchildren: Luca, Breton, Lauren, Keagyn, and Allie. He is also survived by numerous siblings, nieces, and nephews.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents and numerous brothers and sisters.
Lester’s children ask that to honor the life of Lester Kolling and veterans like him, you consider donating to organizations that assist veterans who have sustained physical and/or mental injuries as a result of their military service.
