Lester G. Mahla, 74, of Rochester, Minn., died on Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, following a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Elk Mound, Wis., on Aug. 28, 1938, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Les loved music and influenced many people through the years as he taught and directed many musical groups in Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. He directed the Northwestern Singers in Austin, Minn., for many years, was involved in many Summerset Theater productions. He was influential in starting many other choral groups in the area. He also loved being a floral arranger at Carousel Floral in Rochester and was involved with musical groups at Peace United Church of Christ in Rochester. Over the past few years his involvement in the TCGMC was also a big part of his life. Les was proud of his family and cherished time spent together.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother. He will be dearly missed by his children, Rachelle Benson (Pete) and Ronson Mahla (Kerri); grandchildren, David, Aaron, Luke, Paul and Kesech; and many other friends.

His celebration of life service will be held at Peace United Church of Christ, 1503 Second Ave. NE, Rochester, on Feb. 23, 2013, at 3 p.m. Cards and memorials may be sent in care of Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Highway 19 Boulevard, Cannon Falls, MN 55009 and used at the discretion of the family or the donors’ choice.