Peter J. Lefor, 94, Dickinson, died Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at his home under Hospice Care with his family at his bedside. Peter’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 p.m., Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Jeff Zwack as the celebrant. Entombment will follow at the Dickinson Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the church. There will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., Friday at the church.
Peter J. Lefor was born on January 26, 1917 to Elizabeth (Martin) Lefor and Peter K. Lefor. He was the second oldest son, with Tony being the oldest followed by Betty, Eleanor, Anna and Pauline. He attended country school (Garden #17) for 8 years. He then quit school to help on the farm. He farmed with his dad on the Homestead farm until 1950’s when he bought the farm from his father.
On April 23, 1946, Pete married Minnie Dvorak at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. He and Minnie had Kenny, Connie, Arnie, Betsy “Bobby”, Greg, Jeff and Gale. They farmed and raised their family near Lefor for 32 years, before retiring from the farm and moving to Dickinson. Pete was generous in helping his family with many jobs. He often put down his work to help others. He served as the President of Garden School District, was a member of the Gladstone Fire Department. He was a lifelong member of Knights of Columbus Council 5477.
After moving from the farm to Dickinson, Pete worked as a finish carpenter for Carlson Homes, he also worked for the Dickinson Parks and Recreation. Pete was a real handyman. Over the years he built cabinets, windmills, wood furniture and many other projects. His famous little self made car, (the PUTT PUTT) was enjoyed by several generations, his children and all his grandchildren. Pete was a great mentor for his children. “Do it right the first time”. He enjoyed old time music, dancing, bowling, playing cards, and joking with his grandchildren.
Peter is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Betty Sigl, Anna Schuld, Eleanor Birgenheier, one brother Tony Lefor and an infant son Bobby.
Pete will be dearly missed by his wife of 65 years, Minnie, daughters, Connie (Bill) Milder, Betsy (Dwight) Grismer, Gale (Kurt) Robinson. Sons, Kenny (Carol), Arnie (Marilyn), Greg (Les), and Jeff (Tanna), his 15 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren and pet cat “Joe”.
