Lester A. Paff
October 19, 2008
Lester A. Paff, 63, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 22 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and the funeral will be Thursday, October 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Lester was born in Norwalk, Ohio to Elmo and Frances Paff. He earned his law degree from St. Louis University and was most recently an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He married Lynne Patterson in 1966. He enjoyed golf, sports, gardening, biking and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Missouri and Iowa Bar Associations.
He is survived by his parents; wife, Lynne; daughters, Jennifer (Kim) Ogle, Jessica (Will) Heidbreder; brothers Toby Paff, Tony Portero Paff, Bradley Paff; sisters, Rachel Paff-Weakly, Lois Paff-Bergen; and grand-daughters, Emma and Chloe Ogle and Grace Heidbreder.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, who will direct them toward Half the Sky Foundation, which provides support for Chinese orphans. Lester loved children and was an avid advocate for them.
Shane Marshall
10/21/2008
To Lesters family:
You have my deepest sympathy and will be in my prayers. Lester will be mourned and missed by so many people in all areas of this country. He has positively affected many people in many ways. I worked with Lester in the courthouse and got to know him even better while playing basketball with him in Altoona. It was a privilege to work with and be around him.
Shane Marshall
Deputy US Marshall
Rochester, NY.
Phyllis and Rich Little, Benson, AZ
10/21/2008
To Lester's Family:
My heart aches for all of you, but proudly remember that Lester certainly left his mark on the world, both with his family and his work, and he loved both so much.
I retired nearly three years ago, and one of the things I miss most is beginning my workday having early morning discussions with Les; me with my coffee, and Les his tea, discussing everything from politics to case law to gardening.
I enjoyed working with Les on several of his drug cases. He was a patient mentor, teacher, friend. He was a great prosecutor, and worked so hard. He could cut right to the heart of things with little effort or visible feeling, but he was a man of many feelings and frustrations. The USAO was lucky to have him, and hopefully finally realize the immense contribution he made.
I loved Les like a brother. God bless you all.
Phyllis Little, Paralegal (retired), Criminal Division
USAO, Des Moines
Graham Mongeon
10/21/2008
To Lesters Family:
My heart is heavy with his loss and for your loss. When I reflect on my time in Iowa, Lester always comes to my mind, the good thoughts always do. I treasure his laugh, and when I think about him I remember his laugh and I smile. Thankfully he loved what he did and we all loved working with Lester.
My deepest sympathies, Graham Mongeon Postal Inspector
Jeff Lang
10/21/2008
I got to know Lester about 13 years ago when Cliff Cronk and I opened the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Quad Cities. Lester, with his warm smile and always able to laugh about the tangled webs we had to weave as prosecutors, always brightened my day, whether I talked to him either in person or by phone. I have nothing but the fondest of memories of Lester. He was one of those truly good guys who are few and far between, and he made a wonderful, positive mark during his short time on this earth. I thank him for those good times we shared, and am comforted that he's now in God's good hands where he can continue to keep watch over his family and friends from above.
Jeff Lang
Dave Margritz, US Postal Inspector - Omaha, NE
10/21/2008
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with Les' family. I had the privilege of working with Les when I was stationed in Des Moines as a Postal Inspector from 1994 to 1999. Les was always helpful and guiding to me. Les was truly a top notch prosector and human being. Thank you for sharing him with us. We are all much better for having known Les.
Steve & Jennifer Hofheins
10/21/2008
I was greatly saddened to hear of Lester's sudden illness and passing. I was priviledged to work and know Les from 1995 through 2002. Outside of work, Les and I also played basketball together on Sunday mornings in Altoona. Lester was one of the brightest and hardest-working men I knew and I greatly appreciated his professionalism and his friendship. His quick whit and dedication to serving others was greatly admired. My heart goes out to Lester's family at this sad time and wish to express my love and appreciation for Lester and let his family know what a bright star he was in my life.
Steve Hofheins
US Postal Inspector
Reno, Nevada
Amy Guthrie
10/21/2008
Lester's life was too short but absolutely well lived; full of love for his family, compassion, and integrity. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Love,
Amy
Bradley
10/20/2008
Love your always
Jay Thompson
10/20/2008
To Lester's family-
My deepest sympathy at this time of your loss. As you already knew, Lester was one of the "good guys." His untimely passing is so sad. Yet, based on the good guy that he was, I know he is resting peacefully. I always knew Lester to treat everyone with respect and dignity. He will be greatly missed by the U.S. Court family.
May God bless you and your family, Lester. We will miss you.
Sue Stewart Lodmell
10/21/2008
To Lester's family:
As you know, he was a much loved and respected
man. I'm sure your loss is immeasurable. I wish
you all peace and good memories to see you through this most difficult time.
Co worker/friend from the Davenport Branch
office
Linda J Hardin
10/21/2008
I was so sad to hear about Lester. I retired from the US Marshal's Office and worked w/Lester quite frequently. He was such a joy and delight to know. My heart goes out to you.
Ben Stansberry
10/21/2008
In a bit of poetic irony that I think Lester would have appreciated, on Sunday night I was reading my 4 and half year old daughter Maggie the final chapters of E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web", including this quote as Charlotte contemplates her impending death,
"You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone's life can stand a little of that."
Love you, Man. EXACTLY!
Tom Sosebee
10/20/2008
Hello, I a very sorry for your lost. He was a great person and good friend. I work with him in the court rooms and talk to him every day . God Bless you and your family.
Tom
mark shepard - US Marshals
10/20/2008
I will miss Lester very much. I have known and worked with him my entire career in Iowa. He was a most capable prosecutor and one that will no easily be replaced
My condolences to you and your family. I will keep Lester and you all in my thoughts and prayers
Nevada (IA) PD
10/20/2008
The Nevada Police Department wishes to express our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please know that that Mr. Paff, his family, and his friends are in our hearts and prayers. God Bless!
Michael W. Tupper
Chief of Police
Nevada Police Department
1209 6th Street
Nevada, Iowa 50201