Dr. Lester Schuft, 86
Feb. 19, 2024
Dr. Lester E. Schuft, 86, of Hutchinson, passed away Feb. 19, at Woodstone Assisted Living in Hutchinson. Funeral service was March 2, at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Brownton. Clergy officiating were the Rev. Gerhard Bode and the Rev. Glenn Meyer. Organist was Paul Otte. Special music: Emalee Smith, “One Day at A Time;” Josie Sanken, “Just A Closer Walk with Thee” and “I Will Always Love You” ~ A Tribute From Sherry; Jens Jensen, “Guido Polka;” Jens Jensen and Paul Otte, “When The Saints Go Marching In.” Eulogist was Sherry McCormick. Congregational hymns were, “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Honorary casket bearers were, all members of “Les Schuft & The Country Dutchmen Band.” Casket bearers were, Eamonn McCormick, Eavan McCormick, Cooper Schuft, Cy Pfannenstein, George Quast, Larry Dostal, James Bartels and Joyce Wieweck. Military honors by Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad, Jens Jensen “Taps.”
Lester Edwin Schuft was born on Oct. 1, 1937, in Glencoe. He was the son of Albert and Hertha (Ostermann) Schuft. Lester was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brownton. He received his education in Brownton and attended Immanuel Lutheran School from kindergarten through grade eight and was a graduate of the Brownton High School Class of 1956. Lester continued his education at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry, biology and psychology in 1960. While attending Gustavus Adolphus College, he played in the school’s symphony band and led the pep band. Lester furthered his education at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, receiving his master’s degree in biochemistry and psychology in 1964 and his doctorate degree in dentistry and oral surgery in 1966. While at the University of Minnesota, Lester was a psychology counselor from 1963-1966. Later, in 2006, Lester earned a Faith Builder Ministry degree through the ELCA Lutheran Church.
Lester entered active military service in the United States Army on Dec. 5, 1966, in Minneapolis. He served as captain in the 204th Medical Battalion Co. A, director of the Battalion Band, military dentist, instructor of dental assistants, and a chemical, biological and radiological instructor. Lester received an honorable discharge on Dec. 4, 1972.
On June 4, 1967, Lester was united in marriage to Shirley A. Mackenthun at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg. This marriage was blessed with two children, Curtis and Sherry. Lester and Shirley resided in Robbinsdale, before making their home in Hutchinson in 1968. They shared 42 years of marriage prior to the passing of Shirley on Oct. 16, 2009.
Lester was employed as a dentist from 1967-1996, first in Robbinsdale, then opening his own practice in Hutchinson. He went on to be an account executive and guest host for KDUZ-KARP-KGLB radio and owned two Prairie House restaurants in Waconia and Elk River. Lester was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson and served on the Board of Elders and as treasurer for Sunday school. He was also a member of the Hutchinson American Legion Post 96, Brownton American Legion Post 143, Hutchinson Kiwanis, McLeod County Ducks Unlimited, McLeod County Pheasants Forever, Tri-County Dental Society, Minnesota Dental Association, Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity, and was one of the Christian band directors in Hutchinson. Lester was also a large promoter of agriculture for the county and state.
Lester picked up a trumpet for the first time in 1948. From that moment on, his life was never the same. He played through grade school and continued playing through college and after. Lester played for all events, big and small, including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Gibbon Polka Days, and even played several times on both the “Big Joe Polka Show” and “Mollie B Polka Party Show.” He was extremely active on the local radio, KDUZ, hosting his own “Country Dutchmen Radio Show” and the “Musicians Round Up Show” in Hutchinson every Wednesday morning for 26 years. Lester was part owner of Little Crow Record Company in Hutchinson, as well as owner of Red Rose Records. He has made 16 records over the years, his most recent being released in 2022. Lester was also the owner and operator of his own band, Lester Schuft and The Country Dutchmen, for over 63 years. He was acknowledged for his musical accomplishments and accepted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in April of 2022.
Lester moved into Woodstone Active Living in Hutchinson in May of 2023. Then after a diagnosis on Feb. 8, 2024, of an aggressive stage 4 colon cancer, he was moved to Woodstone Assisted Living on hospice and passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, in Hutchinson, at the age of 86 years.
“Faith, Family, Friends, and in that order.” — Lester E. Schuft
Blessed be his memory.
Lester is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Sherry McCormick and her significant other, Michael Knorr of Waconia; daughter-in-law, Kristen Schuft of Hutchinson; grandchildren, Eamonn McCormick of Hutchinson, Eavan McCormick and her fiancé, Jessica Logue of Saint Peter, and Cooper Schuft of Hutchinson; sister-in-law, Carol Pumper of Chaska; niece, Michelle Heinze and husband John, and family of Rosemount; special friends, Sheri Pearson of Hutchinson and Scott and Shannon Streich of rural Stewart; best furry friend and companion, his cat, Louie Schuft; many other relatives and friends.
Lester is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Hertha Schuft; wife, Shirley Schuft; son, Curtis Schuft; parents-in-law, Albert and Olga Mackenthun; brothers-in-law, Robert Pumper, Maynard Mackenthun and his wife, Marion.
The family of Lester Schuft would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and kindness in this time of sorrow. Our wish is that you take the love, joy and happiness you received from Lester and spread it to those who touch your life. God bless. No individual acknowledgements will be sent.
Arrangements by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson. Online obituaries and guest book available at www.hantge.com.
