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He was born July 14, 1919 on a farm near Audubon. Lester graduated from Audubon High School in 1938. He served in the Army during WWII from February 1941 to January 1946, was a volunteer in Darby's Rangers from 1942 to 1944. He fought in the European Theater, Dieppe France in Aug. 19, 1942 invasion of North Africa, Tunisia, Sicily and Italy. On Feb. 11, 1943 he received a battlefield commission as a second lieutenant. He was separated from the service as a Captain in 1946. Lester received the Purple Heart, Silver Star, and several campaign awards. For his education, he attended Iowa Success Business School, Ottumwa, and one year at Drake University. Among his many achievements, he also was involved in the manufacturing of the Ketch-All Mouse trap, invented by his father, A.E. Kness. For 25 years, Lester owned and operated Hiland Plumbing in Des Moines. He retired in 1985. Lester was a member of the Auburn Masonic Lodge #592, Scottish Rite of FreeMason 32 Degree, VFW Post #9682, American Legion Post 0374, and Epworth Methodist Church in Des Moines. He enjoyed his family, neighbors, helping others, fishing and turkey hunting.
Surviving him are his wife, Velma Kness; three sons, Lee (Pat) Kness, Wade Kness, Dean (Fauna) Kness; one daughter, Kathy Kness Wauson; sister, Nona Brown; brother, Marvin (Marilyn) Kness; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Memorials may be directed in memory of Lester Kness. Arnold's Highland Park was in charge of arrangements.