Memorial

Lester Hollander passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in Spring Hill, Florida, surrounded by family. He was born January 4, 1931 in Hillside, New Jersey where he lived until he went away to college. 

Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 28th at 11:00am at Eben Israel Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Lester attended Kettering Institute in Michigan, and graduated with a degree in Automotive Engineering. While in school he met the love of his life, Phillis Cohen. They were married in November 1952 and enjoyed 46 wonderful years together. Their marriage was filled with love and laughter.

Lester is survived by children Marla Simonsen and Scott Hollander (Susan). Grandchildren Amy Simonsen, Megan Hollander, and Jeffrey Hollander. Great Grandchildren Shiloh Simonsen, Noah Dabetic, Kedric Simonsen, and Mason Simonsen.  Great Great Grandchild Falyn Simonsen. Lester was preceded in death by his wife Phillis, parents Jess and Amy, brother Ernie, and Granddaughter Mollie.

Lester could light up a room with his smile and bigger-than-life personality. He loved people, and he was known to always have a joke and a kind word for everyone he encountered. His goal in life was to make others laugh and he succeeded in this wherever he went.

Lester and Phillis travelled extensively and developed friendships that would last a lifetime. Lester was a “people magnet” and a friend to everyone. 

His love of life and zest for living was apparent in everything he did. He maintained a positive attitude and outlook on life regardless of the challenges he faced. Lester’s charming, witty personality never changed and he had the unique ability to be completely comfortable with who he was. 

The most important people in his life were his family. Lester absolutely adored his children and grandchildren, and spent as much time as he could attending their events and cheering them on from the sidelines. Because of the value he placed on education, he always had a strong interest in his grandchildren’s “marks” in school. 

In the last few years of his life, Lester lived in an assisted living facility in Florida, and continued to make friends and bring comfort and laughter to others. He was the life of the party and was loved by the residents and staff. 

Lester was one-of-a-kind. His warm, loving nature and all-around love of life will be remembered by everyone who knew him. His family can only hope to be as loved and adored as Lester was throughout his life.