Lester R. Twedell Sr.

Lester Ralph "Red" Twedell, Sr., 85, of Grand Forks, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2009, at Valley Eldercare 400 Unit in Grand Forks. Lester Ralph "Red" Twedell, Sr. was born on December 28, 1923, in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Ada and Daniel Twedell. The eldest of eight children, Les had much responsibility at home. At the age of 17, he left school to work for Armour & Company as a meat cutter at the plant located near his family's home. Les earned his GED in 1986, at the age of 63, receiving special recognition for high academic achievement, especially in math. Les served in the US Army during World War II, stationed at Fort Knox, KY, in 1943; Camp Bowie, TX, 1944-45; and Camp Cook, CA, in 1945. He was assigned to Company A, 67th Armored Infantry Battalion, 13th Armored Division, under the command of General George S. Patton and served in Europe from January to July of 1945, achieving the rank of T/5 Cpl. While being redeployed from Europe to the Pacific theatre of the war, the Japanese surrender was announced, and he returned to his home in Grand Forks. Les resumed his career with Armour & Company and remained there as a meat cutter until 1958, when the plant closed. Les was a strong advocate of organized labor and received training in union administration at the University of Wisconsin. In 1961, Les became employed by the US Post Office in Grand Forks, where he rose to the position of temporary supervisor of carriers toward the end of a long career, retiring in May of 1985. Active in union affairs throughout his working life, Les served as a plant and department steward, was involved in dispute resolution and conventions, and was elected to several offices within the local carriers' union including grievance committee member, chief steward, secretary-treasurer, vice president, and president. Les's love for cars and racing led him to work as a racing judge at the Grand Forks Speedway from 1956 to 1967. In 1997 he was inducted into the Speedway Hall of Fame for his work as a racing official, and he attended the annual Speedway Hall of Fame race night with pride. He was also an avid fan of NASCAR racing. Les married Alma W. Lannerdson, known as "Blondie," on February 28, 1943. They had four children. Les was a lifelong hunter and sportsman. He learned taxidermy through adult education classes and produced some beautiful animal mounts for his own collection as well as for friends. Les's shooting skills led him to become involved with the Grand Forks Gun Club, where he was a director for at least ten years, serving on the Board and helping with or coordinating a number of competitions across the state. In 2003, at the age of 79, Les won the City Trap Shooting Championship trophy in his division. Les is survived by his wife Alma; his children Lester R. Twedell, Jr. of Riverside, CA, JoAnn (Edward) Russell of Great Falls, MT, and Gary W. Twedell of Idaho Falls, ID; granddaughter Elizabeth A. (Adam) Ahern of San Francisco, CA; sister Veloyce B. Jones and brother Raymond K. (Patricia) Twedell of Grand Forks; brother John W. Twedell of Puyallup, WA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Donald, Robert, and Bruce Twedell and a sister Janice D. Roy; and daughter Jerri Lee Grinde and grandchildren Jodi, Justin, and Jena. FUNERAL SERVICES: 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2009, at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND VISITATION: 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday before the funeral service at Amundsons. INTERMENT: (Spring) Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. A guestbook may be viewed or signed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com