Lester F. Volsen, 94, of Wells went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Parkview Care Center, Wells MN, surrounded by his family. He resided there since July 22, following a short hospital stay for aortic stenosis. The memorial service will be held Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 2:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN with visitation from 12-2:00pm. Pastor Hilary Korynta will officiate and burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery, Wells MN. Lester will always be remembered for being a gentle, very kind, and generous man who loved God and his family beyond measure.
Lester Floyd was born youngest of 4 children to Henry and Bessie (Perrine) Volsen. Twins, Lois and then Lester were born on December 15, 1930, in Maple Island in Freeborn County. Growing up, Lester’s family moved a number of times but always enjoyed farming. Sherburne, Maple Island, Madelia, Faribault, Wadena, and New Richland were where they made their homes. They grew potatoes, onions, asparagus, and had a dairy farm. Lester started school in Maple Island and graduated 8th grade at the Wild Rose School near Wadena. Lester was driving a car by age 12. Their family moved to New Richland in 1948 onto a 320-acre farm and had dairy cows. During this time the family attended Ellendale Assembly of God Church.
Lester attended tent revival meetings in Wells, where he met his future wife. Out of those tent meetings, Wells Assembly of God Church was established, where Lester has been a lifelong member. Lester married Vernell (Boelke) July 9, 1955. They lived near New Richland and farmed until 1957. When they moved to Wells with their first child Ronald, they lived in an upstairs apartment on Main Street. In September ‘58 they broke ground on their new home the same day they welcomed their second son Randy. In ‘65 they were blessed with their son Robert during a snowstorm. Lester and Vernell had been married for 52 years, at the time of her death in 2007.
Besides farming, Lester had many jobs through the years. Once in Wells he worked at the Standard Station for Pat Horntash and drove school bus until 1962. He then rented “Phillips 66” station, known as “Les’s 66” on the corner of 109 and North Broadway from 1962-1978. He then went to work for Dylla Implement as an IH parts man. Lester then worked in Mankato for Kato engineering. In 1983 he went to work for Winnebago Industries, Forest City, IA for 28 years, and finally retired at the age of 80 years.
Lester met, and then married Lorraine Haugland on November 11, 2017. Lester enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all spending time with family and friends.
Lester was preceded in death by his first wife Vernell (2007), parents, siblings: twin Lois (Clarence) Korfe, Donald (Pierina) Volsen, and Doris (Robert) Breid; In-laws: Doryce (John) Soost, Margie (Elmer) Soost, Leonard Bias, Clarence Wetzel, infant grandson Alan Volsen, and son-in-law Ron Haug.
Lester is survived by his wife Lorraine, his children: Ron (LeAnn) Volsen of Wells, MN, Randy (Patty) Volsen of Clear Lake, IA, and Robert (Darci) Volsen of Wells, MN; Lorraine’s children: Clifford Jr. (Cindy) Haugland of Solon, IA, Julene Haug of St. Anthony, MN, Cameron (Deidre) Haugland of St. Francis, MN, and Tamera (Phil) Osheim of Mahtomedi, MN; grandchildren: Andrea (Genevra), Eric (Amanda), Adam (Nickie) Volsen; Ashley (Michael) Blake, Joshua Volsen; Haley (Justin) Betts, Emily Volsen (fiancée Jay Manders), Ethan, and Makenzy Volsen; Gabe (Carolyn), Luke Haugland; John (Emily) Haugland; Derick (Liz), Tim (Whitney) Haug; Jenna, Christa (Ryan) Cadwell; great-grandchildren: Bridgit, Kloe, Cassie, and Abel Volsen; Elwood Moen; Ruby, Grady, Gunnar, Elizabeth Volsen; Mikah, Sylvia Volsen; Madelyn, Olivia Blake; Adelynn Krause; Grace, Nick Haugland; Rylee Haug (fiancé Reilly); Charlotte, Josie, Clara Haug; Evie, Judah, Henry, Izzy Haugland; Cameron, Cora Haugland; Ashton, Berlyn Cadwell; Kade, Stella, Fynn Cadwell; sisters-in-law: Thelma Wetzel and Darlene Bias; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.
To watch the service, follow this link: https://youtube.com/live/LnueZLkJUao?feature=share
You’re all in my prayers for comfort. He will always be remembered for his kindness and his sweet smile. Thank you for the honor of caring for les
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Volsen family. May your memories bring you peace & strength in the days ahead.
John & Sue Vee
He will be missed. One of the kindest person we have ever known.
Always looked up to Les. We were young neighbor kids to his station. Serviced my dad truck! Fond memories.
Sending sympathy and very fond memories to the Volsen family,
This was an awesome man. I worked with Lester at Winnebago in waterline from 2001 to 2004. I remember him as loving, caring, hard worker, religious guy and a little bit of a bit jokster. I remember him wrestling me over once. I have thought about him over the years. I’m glad this man got to live a long life and from what I know he was healthy, too, he deserved it. My condolences to the family.
Sending hugs and prayers for you and your family also sending my sympathy 🙏 he was such a great person RIP Les!
Love and prayers to Lorraine and the family during this time. What a wonderfully kind man. He will be missed.
Sorry to hear about your dad Ron. May you have fond memories of him.
Much Love and prayers to Lorraine and the family during this time. What a wonderfully kind man. He will be missed.
Les was a wonderful man, our deepest sympathy to Lorraine and families.
Thank you for the honor of caring for your dad. It was my pleasure to be able to take care of him. Rest in Peace, Les. 💔💔
Lester was a pillar of strength and kindness in our community. I looked up to him as a leader within our church community. He had the best hugs and he loved everyone deeply as if they were his own family. He will be truly missed! Sending love and condolences to the Volsen family!