Lester Stanley Dickinson, Jr.

Lester Stanley Dickinson, Jr. was born February 14, 1929, in Hartford, Connecticut. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family with love on February 5, 2022.

Mr. Dickinson honorably served our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a licensed Professional Engineer who graduated with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. Lester’s career started with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, where he was Construction Project Engineer for Illinois North District highways. He was then promoted to Regional Highway Maintenance Manager for the North District. After several years, Lester joined Arcole Midwest Construction and became a Construction Project Manager responsible for all facets of several, major highway construction projects including reconstruction of Edens Expressway, Kennedy Expressway and Lake Shore Drive. Following his success at Arcole Midwest, he worked for the City of Chicago. He spent many years in Public Works as Chief Construction Engineer, working on many projects, including the remodeling to reopen Navy Pier to the public. He also coordinated and implemented many lakefront festivities such as Chicago Fest at Navy Pier, Venetian Nights floating parade, Chicago Christmas Tree lighting, and Lakefront fireworks displays; just to name a few. His last positions with the city were as Commissioner of Streets and Sanitation, and Commissioner of Water.

Lester loved to fish, snow ski, golf, and play tennis. Upon retirement, Lester and Doris wintered in Arizona at the Happy Trails Resort where they made many good friends and had good times playing golf, tennis, or pickleball. There were many get togethers, parades, and “pie parties” after a day of golf or tennis.

Although Les had many successes and accomplishments during his career, his true legacy will always be his love and dedication to his family. He was a great mentor, role model, and advisor to all. Family vacations were spent with his children and, when they were all grown with families of their own, grandchildren. Many a summer were spent at Lake of the Woods, Ontario, and Kabetogama Lake, Minnesota, where he taught everyone how to fish and read a chart; and always found places to explore nearby. Lester always made time to take everyone water skiing and tubing and made great fires for evening marshmallows. He showed all of us that the best fun was just being together. He will be in our hearts and prayers forever.

Lester was a loving husband and soulmate for 71 years to Doris V. Dickinson. He is survived by his children, Nancy (Kim) Anding, Leslie (Richard) Marek, and Lester; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Glowacki, Michael, Kelsey, Lester, Jr. (Sophia), Sara (Chris) Rolland, and Lauren (Zack); great-grandchildren, Christopher, Elyse and Alexandra; and sister, Joan (Robert) Bennett as well as many nieces and nephews.

Lester was preceded into death by his parents, Lester and Mildred; siblings, Barbara (Sam) Trapp and Allen.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 18, 2022, from 9:00 am until the 10:00 am Funeral Mass at St. James Catholic Church, 831 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Misericordia Heart of Mercy at https://www.misericordia.com/ . Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.