Lester Shafland

Lester Shafland, 97, of Danville went to be with the Lord on April 28, 2007 at his residence. Lester was born December 4, 1909 in Roland, IA son of Louis and Bertha Hegland Shafland. He graduated from Roland High School in 1928, from Luther College in Decorah, IA in 1932, received his Masters Degree in Administration from the University of Iowa in 1942, and completed specialized training at Northwestern Medical School. Lester married Melvine Budd on November 6, 1936. Together they lived in Iowa, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and New York before moving to Danville in 1962. They celebrated nearly 68 years of marriage. Lester was preceded in death by his beloved wife Melvine, three brothers and one sister. He is survived by his four children: James (Marleen) Shafland of New York City, NY, Mary (David) Hutson of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, Paul Shafland of Boca Raton, FL, Karen Shafland of Bourbonnais, IL; six grandchildren, two great grandchildren; two sisters, one sister-in-law and several nieces and nephews. Prior to World War II, Lester was a semi-pro basketball and baseball player. He was a high school teacher and coach for ten years in McCallsburg and Ft. Dodge, IA. Lester served as a Lieutenant Senior Grade in the United States Navy during WW II. After the war, he was a Coordinator of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for the Veterans Administration Hospital from 1948 until retiring in 1972. Lester was active in numerous church, community, and educational organizations. He was president of the School Board and his church, as well as the Marion County Commissioner for Boy Scouts in Iowa. He received many awards and commendations, including induction into the Luther College Athletic Hall of Fame. He and Melvine were founding members of The Rock Church. They enjoyed traveling and sharing 25 winters in their Delray Beach, FL condominium. Lester valued God, family, and country. His life exemplified a love for Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. A celebration of Lesters life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 7, 2007 at The Rock Church in Danville with Pastor Randy Downing officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday evening from 4-7 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL. He will be laid to rest at Danville National Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made in Lesters name to The Rock Church in Danville.