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Janet Lora Lester
02/07/1954 - 02/22/2025
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Obituary For Janet Lora Lester
Janet Lora Lester, 71, of Rapid City, passed away on February 22nd, in Rapid City. Her husband was faithfully by her side, as he had been for nearly 49 years.
Janet was born in Huron, South Dakota, to Larry and Louise Radtke, on February 7th, 1954.
She was the middle child of five.She was a peace-keeper, bringing calm and kindness wherever she went. She treasured her three sisters and brother, and some of her favorite days were their weekly tradition at their mom’s house. They would have tea, paint, walk through the garden, eat cake, talk over each other, and laugh. The sisters look alike, and often have to tell people which one they are. For the past 30 years Cheryl, Janet, Pam, and Janet’s dearest friend Connie Hunsaker could regularly be found walking on the bike path together.
Janet shared a particularly close bond with her eldest sister, Cheryl, and her husband, Tim. Most recently the two couples spent winters together in Cambria, California - walking the beaches, hunting for moonstones, and enjoying countless sunset happy hours. Cambria held a special place in Janet’s heart, and she took one last trip there a week before her passing. She saw the ocean one last time.
A graduate of Stevens High School, Janet met her beloved husband, Gregory, during the summer of their junior year in 1971. Both went on to graduate from CU Boulder in 1976, and just two weeks later, on May 28, 1976, they were married in her parents’ backyard. Their first child, daughter Sunny, was born in 1980. From that moment, Janet embraced motherhood with all her heart. From the day Sunny was born, they were best friends, and remained so for the next 45 years. Not a day went by that they didn’t talk on the phone. They shared recipes, clothes, struggles, and joys, and over the years Janet shared wisdom and advice on how to be a mom and a supportive wife.Janet loved her son-in-law, Chris, and bonded instantly with her grandchildren, Crosby and Ruby, who fondly remember her humor and spirited competitiveness in Christmas cookie decorating and Easter egg dyeing contests. (She almost always won).
Her son, Chance, was born in 1989. She cherished him and all the energy he brought to the family. He and Nicole have two kids, and the last several years Janet and Greg brought Morgan and Lynae to church every Sunday, nurturing their spiritual growth with care and devotion. Janet and Nicole have developed a really special friendship since Nicole joined the family. She would frequently stop by and visit with Janet when she wasn’t feeling well, and those visits lifted her spirits every time.
But her greatest love and soulmate was Greg. Nearly 49 years of marriage were marked by an inseparable bond. As Janet was in the hospital last week, knowing her time left on Earth was limited, she told every person who came in, ‘It was a good life, wasn’t it? I was so blessed.’ They traveled together, built a business, raised two kids, and loved each other unconditionally. The past 5 years as she battled ovarian cancer, Greg never left her side, earning the nickname 24/7. They lived out what it means to love each other in sickness and health.
Janet’s gentle spirit and kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Her final words, “Don’t be sad for me! I’m going home,” captured her faith and joyful acceptance as she embraced eternal peace with her Lord and Savior. Though we grieve her loss, we rejoice knowing she is free from pain and awaits us in Heaven. She is free from cancer, pain, needles, ER visits, and hospitals.
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Janet is survived by her husband, Gregory Carl Lester; her daughter Sunny (Chris) Long; son Chance (Nicole) Lester; grandkids Crosby (13) and Ruby (8) Long; Morgan (10) and Lynae (9) Lester; her mother Louise Radtke (96) of Rapid City, and her siblings; Cheryl (Tim) Taylor, Pam Lester, Sandra (Jeff) Burns, and Gregg (Nadine) Radtke. She has many loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Ira Radtke; her parents-in-law, Carl and Irene Lester; and her brothers-in-law, Steven Lester and Gary Lester.
Funeral services and a celebration of Janet’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Rimrock Church in Johnson Siding, with Bill Ewing presiding. A light lunch will follow, and burial will take place at Pine Lawn Memorial Cemetery on Skyline Drive.
Memorial contributions may be made to the kids’ fund at Rimrock Church via check. Write ‘Kids’ Ministry’ in the memo. She was passionate about her grandkids knowing Jesus, and would love for other kids to get that opportunity through scholarships for camp and bible school.
Services
Interment
Funeral Service
10:30 AM
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Tributes
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Jamie Farnsworth planted 5 trees in memory of Janet Lora Lester . - 02/25/2025
Condolences
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02/26/2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Mari Ann Carver
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02/25/2025
We enjoyed meeting Janet and Greg in the past few years, celebrating with them their love and enjoyment of moonstones. We send our love and prayers to Greg and his family. God be with you all in the next days and weeks. Marvin and Sharee Johnson
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02/25/2025
We are so sorry to hear of Janet's passing. We were just visiting with you about traveling to CA. I am glad you were able to make that trip. Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family Greg. Hugs to you. Bob and Deb Reynolds
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02/25/2025
I am very sorry to hear of Janet's passing. Although I have not seen Janet for many years, I remember our high school friendship with happy thoughts and memories. Please accept my sincere sympathies. —Brett DeBoer
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02/25/2025
Janet was such a kind and lovely woman. I am praying for Peace over Greg and family. Sending love vibes to you right now. gmack
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02/24/2025
Please accept our sincere condolences to Greg and her children, mother Louise, and to her siblings, and friends. James and Glenna Green
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02/24/2025
I am so sorry to hear about Janet's death. I am so glad she knew the Lord and is now residing with Him! I admired Janet as a little girl, Radtke's were my neighbors. God bless Janet's family. Sincerely, Susan Davis Sherman
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02/24/2025
Janet was a beautiful lady, filled with grace; she made me want to be a better person. I'll miss our happy hours together...
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02/24/2025
Janet is my 3rd cousin. I remember being in awe of her at family reunions and cemeteries. She had laughing eyes and a warm spirit. She always seemed glad to see me, although she was usually surrounded by plenty of people she knew way better. We are not human beings on a spiritual journey; we are spiritual beings on a human journey. Condolences to her husband, her children, her mother, her siblings, and all who loved her.
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02/24/2025
Janet and Greg have been close friends for as long as we can remember. We've watched our kids grow into adults togeather and have enjoyed numerous good times togeather. We will miss Janet's warm smile and unconditional friendship. We take comfort in knowing that she is pain free now and at home with the lord. Don and Linda Brumbaugh
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