Watch Lester's Service

Lester Blue, age 77, of Waubun, MN, died Sunday, August 23, 2020, at his home, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Lester L. Blue, lovingly known to most as Butch, was born on May 11, 1943, in White Earth, MN, to Lester and Gladys (Sargent) Blue.  He was raised in Naytahwaush, MN, where he attended grade school.  He began high school in Mahnomen before moving with his family to Minneapolis, MN.  As a young man, Lester worked in Skeffington's Suit Shop, where he learned valuable life lessons about fashion, sewing, and most importantly, carrying yourself with confidence.  After graduating from vocational High School in 1961, Butch enlisted in the United States Air Force. He proudly served during Vietnam as an aircraft mechanic. During his enlistment, Butch was lucky enough to travel around the world, not once but twice!  Upon his honorable discharge, he made his home in Nashville, TN.  Butch worked for American Airlines for several years, then for smaller hubs in aircraft maintenance.  He spent the last seven years of his career working as a manufacturing supervisor for Dupont.  On September 17, 1982, Lester was united in marriage to Linda Harrell.

The couple made their home in Nashville until 2002 when Lester retired.  After which, they moved back to Minnesota and have made their home on South Twin Lake.  Butch liked to keep busy and, in his retirement, he worked surveillance at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen for several years.  He also served on the White Earth Housing Board and on the Election Board.  One of his greatest honors was the swearing in of the late Chairman Terry Tibbetts when he was elected by the people of the White Earth Nation.  He enjoyed these positions as it allowed him to serve the community and reconnect with family and friends.  Lester was very passionate with several service organizations.  While in Tennessee he was an active member of the McWhirtersville Masonic Lodge # 375, the Al Menah Shrine, and Nashville Scottish Rite Bodies.  More recently, he served with the Mahnomen American Legion Isaacson-Bjorge Post #31 and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Butch was a proud husband and father who treasured his wife, children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.  In younger years, Butch helped coach his children's activities, including football, basketball, and baseball, and was always their biggest fan.  He enjoyed woodworking and loved to visit.  He was blessed to call both Minnesota and Tennessee "Home" and leaves behind many family and friends across the nation.

Lester is survived by his wife, Linda Blue of Waubun; two sons: Steven (Shawna) Blue of Mt Juliet, TN and Jeffrey (Robin) Blue of Corpus Christy, TX; one daughter, Leslie Blue of Pine Mountain, KY; six grandchildren: Jacob, Ainsley, Mary-Elizabeth, Palmer, Travis, and Grace; one great granddaughter, Vera; one brother, Dale Blue of Waubun; two sisters, Phyllis (Jeff) Wark of Naytahwaush and Janet Blaisdell of Brooklyn Park, MN; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Renie Blue, Larry "Squirrel" Blue, Marilyn Wharton, Ron Blue Sr., and Dawn Meyers; and one granddaughter, Claire Blue.

In memory of Lester, the family prefers memorials be sent to the Shriner Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N North Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 27, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. at  Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2020, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, at the Mount Olivet Funeral Home, Nashville, TN. Inurnment will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, TN.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.