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Lester J. Tenold

04/10/1960 - 11/22/2024

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Obituary For Lester J. Tenold

Lester James Tenold, 64, of Rapid City, South Dakota passed away resting peacefully at home on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Lester was born on April 10, 1960 to Eileen and Orvin Tenold in Buffalo, South Dakota. He went to school in Prairie City, South Dakota through 8th grade, and high school in Bison, South Dakota where he would graduate in 1978. Right after graduation he would buy his dream car, a Chevrolet Camaro right off the showroom floor.

He would go on to marry Carla Dunlap, the love of his life, on May 25, 2002. They would grow their love together and have two wonderful children, Canon and LJ.

He worked with his father through high school at their oil company and gas station. Lester held many occupations throughout his life including his own trucking company, working in coal mines, and his love for photography which led him to do numerous photography projects. Finally, Lester worked for The Riddles Family at Mt. Rushmore Jewelry for thirty plus years.

He would spend his free time in the Black Hills riding his ATVs, and enjoying time with friends and family, he also enjoyed taking pictures of anything and everything that caught his eye, going to the drive-in movies, going to the dirt track races every Friday night in the iconic race truck, and being around the people he loved no matter what was happening as long as loud music was being played.

Lester is survived by his wife Carla Tenold, Sons: Canon Tenold (Riley), LJ Tenold (Anna), and grandson Theodore, brothers Kevin Tenold (Bonnie), Curtis Tenold. Lester was preceded in death by his parents Eileen and Orvin Tenold.

Live Stream

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Services

30 Nov

Celebration of Life

01:00 PM

Trinity Lutheran Church 402 Kansas City St Rapid City, South Dakota 57701 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 11/27/2024

    Ginger Larsen

    My deepest condolences to the whole family! I am Rob Engel's oldest daughter and with Les and Dad being best friends literally my whole life, I have numerous memories to cherish. It seems as tho those two boys are still inseparable, all the way down to the day they road-tripped up to heaven together. Les was more than Dad's best friend. He was family to us. "Uncle Fester." I always went to Lester if I couldn't find or get in touch with my Dad. He usually knew where I could track him down. Speaking of track... That Trackmobile!! It was EPIC, and it should be the track's mascot. Ha! Ha! My heart aches for the loss, and yet it skips a beat knowing that he is up there sitting next to Jesus. With much love and unending prayers... Chris, Ginger Larsen & Family

  • 11/27/2024

    Patrick Ginsbach

    My mother baby sat Lester when he was an infant. I have not seen him in over 58 years. I remember how excited he would get when his mother, Eileen, would pick him up from our house. It sounds like he had a good life. May he Rest In Peace.

  • 11/27/2024

    Deb Smith

    Sincere condolences to Carla, Cannon, L.J., and all the family. He was a genuinely beautiful soul who blessed many with memories of his humor, kindness, and concern and devotion to his loved ones. The world is a quieter but certainly not a better place with his passing. He will be missed.

  • 11/27/2024

    Dan Amen

    My deepest sympathy to Carla and the family. I will always have good memories working with Lester.

  • 11/26/2024

    Ronda & Bernie Martin

    I loved Lester's sense of humor and his beautiful photography. We'll miss you, tell our family in heaven hello for us!

  • 11/26/2024

    Jeff Van Cleave

    My family's sympathy to your family. Lester was my cousin that lived life to it's most and he taught me this! God's speed cousin!

Tributes

  • Sacred Duty Spray

    Jeffery Vancleave sent Sacred Duty Spray for Lester J. Tenold - 11/26/2024

    Our family's sympathy for a great man and his family.

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