Lester Nielsen

After filling a mission for the LDS church, I returned home and joined the Air National Guard. I later married Janice Russon, who by coincidence was also my Mission Presidents daughter.

I went into construction, building mostly LDS churches and small commercial projects for about 34 years, then in 2007, I quit construction worked at improving my art skills for several years which was very rewarding.

In an effort to keep afloat during these difficult times, I got involved selling Pre-Need Funeral Plans... something that all of us need to start thinking about! (Sorry for the reminder)

I'm still involved in art as much as I can. I'm currently illustrating a children's book that I think will be a nice project when it's finished.

I have one son that recently returned from a mission in Peru, where we picked him up. We took a detour and visited Machu Picchu. Wow! It's cool! (You can see some of the photos on my website at www.lestertn.com)

My wife and I have 22 grandchildren and love to travel whenever possible.

One of my fond memories from school, is just how understanding and helpful some of my teachers were.

I remember the first year Gabriella Eiser started teaching english. I thought she was one of the students... she looked so young, right out of college.

Well, english was decidedly NOT my favorite subject, so I just sat around, passed notes with some of the girls, and generally wasted time.
As the semister drew to a close, Ms. Eiser called me in after school, and said... "Lester... I know you're not stupid... but you are getting an F in this class... because you haven't done anything!"
She then explained that I needed 15 points just to get a D... but at least I'd pass.

"What can you do to earn 15 points?" She asked.

"Well... Do you need your car washed? That should be worth at least 15 points!" I responded

She agreed with me, and handed me the keys to her car. I grabbed my friend Greg, and we went out to the teachers parking lot. We found her car, a Volkswagon bug and started it up. I had never driven a stick... let alone a VW bug... and I couldn't find reverse. So, Greg and I pushed it backwards, got in, and drove to a car wash. I made the mistake of getting stuck once again in a spot where I needed reverse, so Greg and I pushed it backwards and returned to school.

The interesting thing is that several teachers saw this nonesense happening but just smiled and waved.

How times have changed. But, at the very least... I got a D and passed the class.