Lester Emil Traff, 73, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at his home.

Lester was born to Emil and Lillie (Schroeder) Traff on Jan. 22, 1941, in Caledonia, Minn. He graduated from Austin High School in 1959.

Lester married Barbara Earl at the First Methodist Church in Austin, Minn., on July 8, 1961. After 30 years, Les retired from Caterpillar Tractor. In his spare time Les enjoyed fishing and playing chess, pool and snooker. Les could frequently be found at the Austin Senior Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Lillie; and sister Gloria Traff.

Lester is survived by his wife Barbara Traff, Austin, Minn.; sons Robert (Elizabeth) Traff, Rochester, Minn., Brian (Kim) Traff, Montgomery, Ala., Michael Traff, Montgomery, Ala., Christopher Traff, Montgomery, Ala.; 11 grandchildren; sisters Norma Bray, Austin, Minn., and Leona (John) Detwiler, Austin, Minn.; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2014, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with the Rev. Dale Christiansen officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour before the service.