John Pester

John Harvey Pester, age 76, of Oldham, passed quietly March 8, 2021, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

John was born March 29, 1944 to George and Margaret Pester in Madison South Dakota. John grew up in the area until 1691 when he convinced his dad to let him enlist in the Navy at the age of 17. He served a couple of years. While home on leave John met Diane on a blind date set up by his friend. He returned home after the date and told his mom that he met the woman he was going to marry. They were married in January of 1964.  They then had their two kids and many of moves to Kansas, Louisiana, back to South Dakota. John attended the Vo tech school in Sioux Falls and got certification in Diesel Mechanics. In 1975 they made the move to Washington state and raised their family. John worked for John Deere for several years and then went to work for a farming family for the rest of his career.

John and Diane moved back to South Dakota in 1994 and lived in Oldham to finish their lives. John was called upon by friends and family with mechanical needs. He only had to hear what was going on and knew how to fix the problem. John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He got a kick out of going to the coast to go salmon fishing. John lost Diane in 2010. He lived several years alone but never got past losing her.

John is survived by his children Chuck and Kathie. Grandchildren Shane, Sarah, Luke, Ethan, and Noah. Brothers and Sisters -in law Marcie Folsland, Gary and Deanna Intermill, James Intermill, several nieces and nephews.

John is preceded in death by wife Diane, father George, Mother Margaret, sister Marie, brother James, Cousins Merle, Nadine, Silos, Evelyn Pester, brothers-in-law Vernon and Roy, and James Folsland, sisters-in- laws Gloria. Ramona and Blanche.

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