Dr. Lester T. Proctor III

With heavy hearts but profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Lester Proctor, III, who passed away peacefully at home on October 8, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born on January 10, 1957, in Des Moines, IA, Les led a life rich in love, service, and adventure.

Les was the son of Carol and Les Proctor, Jr. He moved from Iowa to Wisconsin at the age of 14 and graduated from Shorewood High School in 1975. His passion for medicine led him to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Target MD program, graduating in 1978, and later to the Marquette School of Medicine (now Medical College of Wisconsin), where he earned his MD in 1982. A dedicated physician, Les completed his pediatric anesthesia residency at MCW in 1991. His career in academic medicine saw him teaching at esteemed institutions such as Penn State’s Hershey Medical Center, University of Wisconsin Hospitals, and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Les was respected and treasured by his colleagues and students for his commitment and kindness.

In 1976, Les met Wendy, his life-long partner, at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Their journey together began when he was an 18-year-old orderly and she a new graduate nurse. They married on May 26, 1979, in Fox Point, WI, and together built a beautiful family and life. Les and Wendy were blessed with four children: Kate, Lester IV (Meghan), David (Jamie), and Becky. Les’s greatest joy was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, Kaysin and Evelyn.

Les’s life was defined by service, both professionally and personally. As an officer in the Army and a senior Assistant Surgeon, he dedicated 4 years to the Indian Health Service in Wyoming, where he received the USPHS Commendation Medal in 1986. His commitment to helping others extended globally, with mission trips through Resurge International to countries such as Ecuador, Brazil, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

A man of many interests, Les embraced life with enthusiasm. He was a member of the Sierra Club for over 50 years, a passionate woodcarver, and an adventurous motorcyclist. His adventures took him from hiking the Continental Divide to climbing the Grand Teton and riding his Harley across Route 66. Les was also an avid reader, hunter, and sportsman, sharing these passions with friends and family alike. Travel with Wendy and their children covered the world in over 30 countries.

Les is survived by his wife of 47 years, Wendy; his children and their spouses; his grandchildren; and his siblings, Carol (Rod), Nancy, and Meg (Dave). He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Shelley and numerous nieces and nephews. Les was predeceased by his parents, his parents-in-law Mary Lou and Chester Olocki, sister-in-law Cherie, grandson Andrew, and brother-in-law Andy Kienbaum.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Heart to Heart, LLC (Heather, Sue, Charity) and Treasured Blessings Home care, LLC (Jen) for their compassionate care and support during Les’s final months, ensuring his comfort and Wendy’s peace of mind. In addition, thank you to the Horizon Hospice team.

Les will be remembered for his quiet intelligence, boundless kindness, and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and adventure will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.

A memorial service to honor Les’s life will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Visitation from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, service at 3:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt, Wisconsin sports gear, motorcycle attire or anything suitably comfortable. Light appetizers will be served during the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sierra Club Foundation and Resurge, International, reflecting Les’s lifelong commitment to the environment and medical missions around the world.