Lester J Shruck

Lester "Les" J. Shruck, age 85, of Markesan, passed away September 10, 2026.

Lester was born October 5, 1940, the son of Chester and Josephine (Gustke) Shruck of Wautoma. On August 12, 1961, Les married the love of his life, Judeen Lehr at the Fairburn Lutheran church in Berlin, and had just celebrated their 65th anniversary. Lester spent 35+ years in education, teaching in Rosendale and Brandon for 5 years, at which time he became the grade school principal of Markesan, until he retired in 1998 at the age of 57. Even years after retirement, he couldn’t go anywhere without running into former students and faculty, and enjoyed every chance to reminisce stories with them.

Les was very active in bettering his community and local natural conservation. Through the years he helped found and served in the Prairie Drifters snowmobile club (which later merged with the Markesan Snow Drifters snowmobile club), Mackford Prairie Ducks Unlimited Chapter, and he also served as a member of the Markesan Lions Club, Markesan Kiwanas Club and Fairwater Historical Society, and a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater.

His and Judeen's hobbies revolved much around the outdoors, whether they were touring the country on their Honda Goldwing and very active in the Goldwing Road Riders Assoc. (which he served as state director for 3 yrs), snowmobiling, fishing, or hunting. He also found time to spend at their cabin, where he collected John Deere Tractors, and eventually shared the love of them with his granddaughter Olivia.

Most of all, he loved spending time with family and friends, where Lester was known for his gift of gab and story telling.

Lester is survived by his wife, Judeen; children, Garret (Jeanne) Shruck, Gregg Shruck, Gary Shruck / partner Denice Cummings; brothers: Gordon Shruck, and Al (Barb) Shruck; grandchildren: Meghan (Dan) Cowger, Matthew (Kelsey) Shruck, Josh (Angelica) Shruck, Becca Shruck, Miranda (Riley) Jefcoats, Samantha (Alex) Ray, Makayla (Michael, Sammy) Shruck and Olivia (Justin) Shruck; and 5 great-grandchildren: Charlie Jackson, Kiernan & Morrigan Jefcoats, Elliott & Cameron Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents Chet & Josephine Shruck, Daughter-in-laws Connie & Ronda Shruck, sister-in-law Elaine Shruck.

A special thank you to Green Lake County Social Services, Green Lake County Sheriff's Dept., and Grand River Fire and Rescue for all their help.

A memorial gathering for Lester will take place on Friday September 18, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 Church St, Fairwater, from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Kathleen Cartwright officiating. A luncheon will directly follow the service at church.