Lester Ernest Koerlin, of San Antonio, entered eternal rest on January 5, 2019 at the age of 93 years. He was born May 29, 1925 in Monroe, South Dakota, one of two sons of Frederick August Koerlin and Johanna Aeilts Koerlin. Lester's days as a Dakotan were short, as the family soon moved to Raymondville, Texas, to help with the family farm purchased by his grandfather. A carpenter at heart, Lester's father soon opened a cabinet shop and in training his sons by his side, the love of the trade became generational. After attending Tarelton College, Lester moved to San Antonio to work and draft for Edgar Tobin Map Company. Two years later he began his Civil Service career at Kelly Air Force Base and retired at the highest level. While working at Kelly Air Force Base, he met and later married the love of his life, Eilleen Marie Stein , on April 14, 1973. Lester was an avid bowler and skilled woodworker. They traveled the world after retirement from civil service and especially enjoyed many return trips to Alsa ce Lorraine, reveling in the friendships found there while researching Eilleen's Alsatian heritage (even though Lester couldn't understand a word those Alsatians were babbling!) His favorite pastime in his later years was volunteering with SAMM as well as the "Mice of Men" Laurel Heights Methodist Church as they built handicap ramps for the disabled in his community.

Throughout Lester's final days, although he was struggling, he would always greet a visitor with a smile on his face. A niece and nephew were witness to Lester's thankful attitude when facing the inevitable.  He hung his head only briefly, then, with head held high, he said, "Who can complain when given 93 years!".

Survivors include his adoring wife, Eilleen Stein Koerlin of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Edith E. Koerlin; in-laws, Gladys Stein, Marilyn Stein, Harold (Patricia) Stein, A.J. (Arl ine) Stein, Alfrene Stein Tschirhart and Glennis Stein; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Lester was dearly loved and will be sincerely missed by his family.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Johanna Koerlin; brother, Edward Maurice Koerlin; in-laws, Harvey Stein, Allen (Janie) Stein, Sylvan Stein and Wm T. (Billy) Tschirhart, Sr.

Gathering for the Funeral Service will begin Thursday, January 10, 2019 starting at 9:00 a.m. at Laurel Heights United Methodist Church, 227 W. Woodlawn Ave., San Antonio, TX 78212 with the Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the service in the church hall. Interment will be that afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Castroville, TX.

Family requests memorials in Lester's memory be made to SAMMinistries or St. Louis Catholic Cemetery Fund. Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com