Les Jacob Meinhardt, 87, of Madison, passed away Aug. 31, 2008.
Lester J. Meinhardt was born Nov. 15, 1920, on a farm near Kohlsville to Fredrick G. and B. Ella (Techtman) Meinhardt.

He graduated from West Bend High School and received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Les married June Fredricks/Hess on Feb. 17, 1951.

Les became a Northwestern Mutual special agent in the Madison agency on Sept. 1, 1945, and worked as such until he changed to emeritus agent status in 1985.

During these years he became a CLU, a life member of the "Million Dollar Roundtable," and active in professional organizations. Les served as the president of the Madison Association of Life Underwriters, the Madison Chapter of CLUs and the Madison Estate Council.

In 1977 Les was awarded the Jack Nusbaum "Life Insurance Man of the Year Award," and in 1989 received the Madison Association of Life Underwriters "Distinguished Service Award."

Les participated in community activities such as the Madison Theater Guild and had been a member of the Madison East Rotary since 1967, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow in 1985. Most importantly, Les was a charter and life member of Heritage Congregational Church since its inception in 1968, serving his fellow man in many different capacities.

Les was known by all as a man whose infectious smile and quick wit were contagious. Les’ love and caring for people made a deep impression on those he met.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Mark (Becky) of Los Angles and David of Platteville. His beloved grandson Nicholas (Los Angeles) gave him great joy.

Les was preceded in death by infant twin daughters, Mary and Kathy; his parents and an infant sister.

A memorial service will be held at the Grand Hall of the Capital Lakes Retirement Center in Madison (formerly known as Meriter Retirement Center), 333 W. Main St., at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13.

All are invited to attend a reception and luncheon immediately following the service.

Memorials should be directed to Heritage Congregational Church, 608-274-0833.