Les Stehr

Les Stehr, 78, died Jan. 11 at Harborview Medical Center after experiencing a stroke.

He was born May 14, 1933, in Odessa, Wash., the oldest of Fred and Helen Stehr’s four children. He was raised on the family farm, graduated from Odessa High School and attended Washington State University where he earned a degree in hotel and restaurant administration. He entered the Air Force in 1955 and became an aircraft commander on the C-123 aircraft. Before leaving the Air Force, he received a position as club officer where he substantially increased the profitability of the Officer’s Club. He left the Air Force in April of 1960 and soon found himself managing the Elks Club in Auburn. In 1974 he bought into the Lee Restaurant in Enumclaw as a minority owner and bought out the remaining ownership stake and did not sell until March of 2011. From then until his death he had been running the books for his stepdaughter, the new owner. He was an avid golfer and a longtime horse owner.

He is survived by his daughter Laurie Krone and husband Dave; brother Tom Stehr and wife Julie; sister Peggy Burk and husband Arch; two grandchildren and many stepchildren and stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother Ron Stehr.

Services took place Jan. 21 at Emerald Downs.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Auburn or Enumclaw food banks.

Visit www.yahnandson.com to sign the family’s online register.