Dr John Lester Steve Schilke was born on July 11, 1923, to Johannes and Sara Mable Schilke. Lester grew up in Newport, Washington. In his early years, Les experienced the Great Depression and all the hardships it brought to his family and community. After High School, Lester attended WWC for one year then transferred to University of Idaho to continue his education. During his first semester at U of I, Les enlisted to fight in the WW2.

Off to basics training, combat training, military chemical training, and a Citadel before heading to New Orleans where soldiers took a 5-week break before being shipped off. Lester boarded a troop ship to Panama where he was dropped off and spent 6 months. Then back to the US where Les was put on a troops train going to the west coast to fight the Japanese. While onboard the train Les became very ill and was dropped off at Fort Boise hospital, stabilized, then sent to Fort Lewis where he was diagnosed with Guillain Barre. When he finally recovered and was released the war was over. With a GI Bill, Les was able to attend the University of Washington and was in their 1st Dental School class. Lester graduated in 1950. Since he had no money after graduating, a town called Forks, Washington put him up in a dental practice. A pulled tooth back then cost $3.00.

Lester eventually moved to Richland, WA, then landed in Pasco where he opened his own dental office. Les met and married the Love of his Life, Joanne McCourt. They had 4 children, 2 girls and 2 boys. Lester loved being involved with his son's Boy Scouts troop activities. They climbed Mt Adam's together. Later in life he also climbed Ayres Rock in Australia. To sum up, his BIG life. Lester loved hunting, fishing, huckleberry picking, hosting parties, golfing, and traveling the world.

Lester is survived by his children, Steven Schilke, Janice and (Vern) Berg Schilke, John and (Christy) Schilke, and Susanne and (Brent) Keeth. 3 Grandchildren Jonathan Schilke, John Keeth, and Katie Keeth.