Lester H. Wicker, 72, Avid Outdoorsman
Lester H. Wicker, age 72, of Lorain, passed away peacefully at his residence on the morning of Sunday July 16, 2023 following an illness of five months.
He was born in Lorain on July 19, 1950 and remained a life-long resident of the city. Les was a graduate of Lorain High School where he was a varsity letterman on the school’s football and baseball teams. He later played in the Lorain City Adult Softball League.
Following graduation, he joined the United States Steel Corporation and embarked on a career with the steel producer that spanned more than four decades. He first worked as a machinist in the # 4 Seamless Mill, and later transitioned into a position in the Tool and Die Shop; while at the mill, Les was a member of United Steelworkers Local 1104. He officially retired in 2013.
Les was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as trips to the family cabin in Caldwell, Ohio several times each year. He was a frequent participant in local turkey shoots as well as the annual Lake Erie Walleye Tournament.
He was an accomplished woodcrafter and enjoyed gifting butcher block tables and clocks that he made to family and friends. Les was a fan of western movies, especially any one that featured John Wayne. He also enjoyed following NASCAR as well as watching the Cleveland Indians and Browns on television.
Undeniably, Les’ favorite thing in life was spending time and being involved in the lives of his six grandchildren.
A member of American Legion Post # 30 and Lorain Moose Lodge # 552, Les is survived by his wife of forty-nine years Ingrid (nee Kupczyk), son Lester R. Wicker (Heather) of Lorain, and daughters Melissa Logsdon (Wade, Jr.) Wendy Wilkerson and Cheryl Buckley (Michael) all of Lorain. He also leaves grandchildren Ryan Wicker, Donny Wilkerson, Jr., Emily Wilkerson, Jessica Buckley, Abbey Buckley, and Tim Buckley. Additional survivors include brothers Jack Wicker (Karen) of Sheffield Lake, Jim Wicker (Maria) of Vermilion, sister Mary Wicker Zan Levinson (Bill) of Lorain, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Les was preceded in death by his father Richard F. Wicker, mother Betty Wicker (nee Eveland), son-in-law Donald Wilkerson, Sr., brother-in-law Mark Zan, and nephew Steven Zan.
Visitation will be Sunday from 2-4 p.m. n the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain.
To share your memories and condolences with the Wicker Family, please visit www.gluvnashimohromada.com.