Lester "Red" Ensminger

Lester "Red" O. Ensminger, age 93, passed away surrounded by family on June 14, 2025, at Edgewood Assisted Living in Mandan.

A committal service will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM with full military honors.

Lester was born in Elgin, North Dakota on May 20, 1932, to Oscar and Tillie (Hauck) Ensminger. He graduated from Elgin-New Leipzig High School and went on to complete one year of college before enlisting in the military.

Lester dedicated over 26 years to the US military in the Navy and the National Guard. He served all over the world in places like Japan and Italy, and the Korean War, making many memories and friends throughout his time of service. Upon his discharge, Lester returned home and worked in Elgin as a truck and school bus driver. He loved interacting with the kids who rode his school bus, fondly giving away candy and $2 bill for special occasions. On November 17, 1997, Lester married Marlene (Kuch) (Hofer) Williams in Lakota, ND.

Lester is survived by his wife of 28 years, Marlene Ensminger; children, Greg Ellenson, Kathy Curtis (Shawn), Wayne Keenan, Mickie Berger, Nancy (Pete) Finck, and Wade Hofer; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Tillie Ensminger; siblings, Dennis Ensminger, Nyla (Jack) Thatcher, Harbert Ensminger, Howard Ensminger, Muriel Ketterling, Eunice Bond, and Beverly Lukens; stepson, Danny Hofer; and one step-grandson.