Rev. Lester Flauhaus

Reverend Lester Flauhaus, age 89, of New Dawn Health Care Center at Dover, and formerly of New Philadelphia, received his eternal reward early Saturday, March 7, 2009.A son of the late Ernest and Lena (Berger) Flauhaus, Lester was born on April 9, 1919, at Hannibal, Ohio.From an early age, Lester knew he was called to serve the Lord through ministry. His formal education occurred at Ohio Wesleyan University, Muskingum College and Oberlin College and he received his first appointment in the former Cambridge District.In 1941, Lester was transferred to Mooreland, near Wooster. In 1945, Reverend Flauhaus was assigned to serve in the Dalton area and later relocated to the Amsterdam Methodist Church at Amsterdam, Ohio. Later assignments led Lester to serve the Smithfield Methodist Church at Greentown, Ohio and then to Trinity Methodist Church between Massillon and Canton where he led for eight years. Prior to his retirement, he served those in the Barberton community through his ministry at Lakeview Methodist Church.Following his retirement, Lester enjoyed being called upon to fill pulpit vacancies throughout the area and for a period of time led those of the Dundee area.In his later years, Reverend Flauhaus enjoyed traveling with his wife, the former Gladys Dolvin whom he married on October 24, 1981. The couple had a deep admiration and devotion toward one another that was shared throughout their time together. Gladys passed on June 8, 2008, and Lester has been reunited with his loving wife and as he regarded her, “a lady of excellent character”.Reverend Flauhaus is survived by a brother, Robert (Shirley) Flauhaus of Dover; two brothers-in-law, Rev. Dr. Jay (Grace) Dolvin of Massillon, and Carl Willis (Voneta) Dolvin of New Cumberland, a sister-in-law; Dorothy Aston of Dover; a nephew, Rodney Flauhaus of Copley, Ohio; two great-nieces, and special friends and caregivers; Rheba Rainsberger and Pauline Quillin, both of New Philadelphia. In addition to his parents and wife, Gladys, Lester is preceded in death by his first wife, Lucille DeVoe Flauhaus.Friends may call on Monday, March 9, 2009, from 4:00 â?? 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Dr. Steven Bailey will lead a service celebrating Lester’s life on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at 10:30 AM in the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia. Burial will follow in the Dover Burial Park.Following the services a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia.Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.Linn-Hert-Geib330-343-5506www.geibcares.com