Cover photo for Lester G. Cordes's Obituary
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1930 Lester 2025

Lester G. Cordes

August 19, 1930 — May 29, 2025

Sterling

   Lester G. Cordes, 94, of Sterling died Thursday May 29, 2025 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. Lester was born August 19, 1930 in Sterling the son of Glenn and Clara (Behrens) Cordes. He married Fern Allison on August 6, 1953 in Sterling. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2014.

   Lester was a Sgt. First Class in the United States Army from 1951-1953, and during that time he served in the Korean War. Lester farmed in the community for many years. In retirement he enjoyed collecting toy tractors and mowing the cemetery at Our Savior Lutheran Church. Lester was an avid Cubs and Bulls fan. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

   Survivors include his children Vicki (Melvin) Long, Vonni (Michael) Hall, Duane (Sandra) Cordes, and Judy (David) Butler; ten grandchildren Bridget Long, Stacie (Joel) Short, Brandon Long, Kelsey Hall, Lindsey Hall, Tonya (Andrew) Spencer, Valerie (Ryan) Petty, Elliot Campos, Arielle (Michael) Reeves, and Ceara (Patrick) Rae; ten great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Edward (Anita) Allison, and sister-in-law Marie (Gordon) Rolofson.

   Lester was preceded in death by his parents, wife Fern, one brother Robert Cordes and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Virginia (Harold) Morrical.

   Visitation will be 4PM-7PM Tuesday June 3, 2025 at Schilling Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 11AM Wednesday June 4, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10AM-11AM at the Church.

   A memorial has been established to Our Savior Lutheran Church.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lester G. Cordes, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Schilling Funeral Home

702 1st Ave., Sterling, IL 61081

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Visitation

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Our Savior Lutheran Church

21496 Hazel Road, Sterling, IL 61081

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

Our Savior Lutheran Church

21496 Hazel Road, Sterling, IL 61081

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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