Lester Kreider died peacefully on January 1, 2019 surrounded by family.   Lester was married to Laura Mae Carpenter, with whom he would have celebrated his 58th anniversary in March. He is survived by 3 children: Jay (Kimberly Belzner); Rose; and Pearl (Michael Smith); and three grandchildren: Stacy (James Durborow); Joshua; and Niko.

     Lester was the son of the late Elmer S. and Esther M. Kreider, and was raised on the family farm on Donerville Rd.  He worked for Franklin H. Kreider for several years before serving in 1-W/VS in Washington, DC.  In 1963, Lester organized the first department of respiratory care at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore.  Later, he worked at Breathing Services in Ephrata and Respitech Medical Inc. in Lancaster.

     Lester was an avid gardener, reader, music lover who enjoyed connecting with people through humor.  Lester was an active member of several churches across his life – most recently East Petersburg Mennonite.  He gave generously to his favorite charities and was a regular blood donor.

     Lester is also survived by three siblings: Dorothy Ruppert (William); Betty Funk (Curtis); and Arlene. He was preceded in death by three siblings: Esther (Daniel Landis); Edna (Jacob Ginder); and Melvin (Anna Mary).

     The family would like to thank the staff at LGH, Lancaster Rehab Hospital and Landis Homes. We are deeply grateful to the staff at Oregon House North at Landis Homes for their expert and gentle care for Lester and his family during his final days.

     A memorial service will be held from the Landis Homes West Bethany Chapel, 1001 E. Oregon Rd., Lititz, on Saturday, January 5^th at 11 a.m.  There will be two opportunities to greet the family: Friday, January 4^th 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, January 5^th10-11 a.m., both at the West Bethany Chapel. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Mennonite Central Committee.  Also, to celebrate Lester's love of silly fun and sweet humor, feel free to bring candy to share.