Lester Siegel, Jr., age 91, passed away at Claridge Court in Prairie Village, Kansas, on July 23.
Lester was born on May 24, 1933, to his proud parents, Lester Siegel and Frieda Levy Siegel. Lester attended Pembroke Country Day School (now Pembroke Hill) from nursery school through high school and, after graduation, attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. He bonded with and made lifelong friends at both schools and was involved with numerous reunions — even the mini-reunions between the big year ones. He especially loved showing off Kansas City, his hometown, to all who paid a visit, and visitors were constantly amazed at the beauty, history and cultural advantages Kansas City offered.
After graduation from college, he served in the U.S. Army for almost two years and ended his tour of duty stationed in Korea.
After his return from military service, he entered Harvard Business School and graduated with his MBA in business in 1959.
Career came next, and he joined full-time employment at Harzfeld’s in Kansas City — a high-fashion women’s clothier which, at its peak, consisted of five stores in the Kansas City area and stores in Columbia, Missouri, and Tulsa and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He had summer jobs at Harzfeld’s as a youth and later worked his way up to serving as president until his retirement. Lester was very proud of the staff and was honored to be an executive there for many years. After his retirement, he consulted and aided several businesses, sharing his extensive business knowledge.
He enjoyed serving his community fostered by his family and friends. Through the years, he served George Washington Carver Community Center, Menorah Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Chamber of Commerce, among others.
In 1974, Lester was appointed as one of the first members of the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority of Kansas City (PIEA) and served for 35 years, including six years as chairman. He also served as PIEA’s representative to the City Market Oversight Committee for 18 consecutive years until 2010. A notable achievement during his chairmanship was the creation of the Crossroads Arts PIEA District, which received national recognition for preserving and growing Kansas City’s art community and economy. Lester also contributed to successful redevelopment efforts undertaken by the PIEA in 43 areas. He provided leadership and support and earned the respect and trust of the board of commissioners and staff.
Lester loved sports, lettered in tennis all through his school years and loved his tennis groups in the later years. He adored basketball and was one of the first Chiefs’ season ticket holders and attended every game until it became too difficult for him. For many years, he spent time in Scottsdale, Arizona, during the winter months… playing more tennis.
He was a lifetime member of Oakwood Country Club and a member of the River Club and Scottsdale Racquet Club. He was a member of the New Reform Temple from its origin.
Lester was a principled and distinguished gentleman that treated everyone with courtesy and respect. He was also a very dapper dresser, and his collection of pocket handkerchiefs was vast.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lester and Frieda Siegel; his sister, Marjorie Navran; and his nephew, Bill Navran. He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Myra; his niece, Sally Navran of Tucson, Arizona; and many caring friends.
A graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery (6900 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131) at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 26. For the funeral Zoom link and to leave condolences for the family, please visit louismemorialchapel.com.
A reception honoring Lester will be held at Pembroke Hill School State Line campus (5121 State Line, Kansas City, MO 64112) following the service from 3 to 5 p.m.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the kind and caring staff in the Health Center at Claridge Court and the compassionate attention from Ascend Hospice.
Kindly no flowers, and donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
