Person:Larry Lestina (1)

Larry Lestina

Larry Kent Lestina, 66, of Argyle died at 4:25 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006, at his home.

Born Feb. 3, 1940, in Keokuk, he was the son of Kenneth Joseph and Mary Katherine Brackelsberg Lestina. On Feb. 11, 1983, he married Dixie Ann Boyd.

Mr. Lestina worked for the railroad, Foote Mineral, Ferro–Sil and owned and operated the Big River Restaurant and Bar. He played in a variety of local bands. He and others formed the Blue Knights Band and played as headliners for the Beatles' first U.S. tour. He played for Dick Clark at the Young World Fair in Chicago and headlined with the Turtles, Shananas, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Tina Turner and the Beach Boys. He was invited by Hugh Heffner to play at the Playboy Mansion.

He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Keokuk. He attended the Julliard School of Music. His music was recorded multiple times. He played at Charlie's in Montrose, where he was well loved and met his wife.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Dena Lestina Feikert of Keokuk, and Beth Westfall and Holly Lestina, both of Argyle; one son, Joseph K. Lestina of Fort Madison; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Deanna Haislip of Carthage, Ill., and Reva Wright of Warsaw, Ill.; nieces; and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. today at Schmitz–Lynk Funeral Home in Donnellson, with family meeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m.

The funeral for Mr. Lestina will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Argyle Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Bill Willis officiating. Burial will be in Argyle Memorial Gardens.

A memorial has been established for Argyle Fire and Rescue.