Lester Edward Gutapfel, age 89 of Sunman, IN passed away on Monday, January 14, 2019.  The son of Edward and Mamie (nee:Hildebrand) Gutapfel was born on December 27, 1929 in Lawrenceville, IN.

The US Army veteran married Sue Collins in 1956 and together they raised five children. She passed away on May 23, 2002. Lester worked for Ford in Connersville, IN for 47 years while running the family farms.  He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Hubbells and the American Legion Post #464 in St. Leon, IN. Lester loved the outdoors especially fishing.  He liked to spend time traveling to see the country and enjoyed taking cruises.  Poker was another favorite past time of his as well.  Most of all, Lester liked being with his family.

He is survived by longtime companion, Marilyn Tangman; his daughters, Candy Bessler (Gerald), Kim Dieckmann (the late John) and Tracy Reindorf (Mick); his sons, Brian Gutapfel (Tammy) and Troy Gutapfel (Karen); along with 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren with one on the way; and his sister Dorothy Federle.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by one grandson and his sister, Frances Stenger.

Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00PM Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville and 10:00 – 11:00AM Friday, January 18th at St. John Lutheran Church, Hubbells with funeral services immediately following at 11:00AM. Rev. Dave Johnston officiating.

Burial will follow in the St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery with military grave side rites.

Memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church c/o the funeral home. Online condolences www.meyersfuneralhomes.com