Lester Eugene Lear

Lester Eugene Lear, age 80, of Mankato, passed away peacefully at home on September 28, 2023.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at the Connect Point United Pentecostal Church in Eagle Lake. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2023 and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Interment will be at Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato.

Lester Eugene, the son of Jesse and Bertha (Wheat) Lear, was born on October 31, 1942 in Clarksburg, IL. He was the youngest of 5 children, Franklin Lear, Dorothy Crow, Geneva Cather and Alberta Hinckle. Lester graduated from Neoga High School in 1961 and from the Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul in 1964 with a degree in Theology. On August 10, 1963 he married the love of his life, Sandra Bixby in Beloit, WI. Lester was a licensed minister with the UPCI for 60 years and the District Secretary for the UPCI in the Minnesota District for 31 years. He pastored at St. Paul Park Tabernacle in St. Paul Park, MN from 1964 to 1966 and the Apostolic Faith Church in St. James, MN from 1966 to 1977. He then planted a church in Faribault, MN and pastored at the United Pentecostal Church in Mankato, MN for 10 years. Lester also drove school bus in St. James and Mankato, worked at Year Round Cab, and Lloyd Lumber in Mankato. He retired at the age of 62 from the Blue Earth County Government Center in 2004.

Lester was a very patriotic man who always flew a flag in the yard and wore a flag pin on the lapel of his suits. He always had a smile to give, a joke to tell to anyone who would listen and give a courtesy (or real) laugh. His greatest enjoyments were traveling, exploring with his grandchildren, and spending time with his family, church family and friends. Lester was faithful in his relationship with God and the care and concern he showed to his friends and family.   

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Lear of Mankato, MN; son, Michael Lear of Plymouth, MN; daughter, Michele Lear of Apple Valley, MN; daughter, Christina (Jeremy) Cox of Mankato, MN; son, Curtis (Geary) Lear of Wagoner, OK; grandchildren, Zachary Cox, Sariah Cox, Kaylann Cox, Katie Jo Lear, Seeley Lear, Garrett Cox, Nora Lear, and Evelyn Lear; sister, Alberta Hinckle; brother-in-law, Gregory (Connie) Bixby; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings, Franklin Lear, Dorothy Crow and Geneva Cather; and parents-in-law, Allen and Kathryn Bixby.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service

provided by Mankato Mortuary.

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