Lester 'Les' Josephson

Lester Andrew Josephson passed away on January 1, 2020 at the age of 77 in Tucson, AZ. He was born July 29, 1942 in Minneota, MN to Adalbjorn (Abo) and Clarice Josephson.

He attended country school as well as Minneota public schools, graduating in 1960. He had a beautiful singing voice and was offered a scholarship to St. Olaf College. He instead chose to attend Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, where he excelled in football as well as track and field, graduating in 1964.

He was united in marriage to Diane Merry on February 17, 1962. From that union, they had two children, Paul and Merry. After graduating from Augustana, he was signed by the Dallas Cowboys and was traded to the LA Rams, where he played as a running back from 1964-1974.

He held numerous records and played in the 1968 Pro Bowl. Due to his athletic achievements, he was elected to The Augustana Hall of Fame in 1980, the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Minneota High School Hall of Fame in 2016. After his NFL retirement, he appeared the movies, Gus and Heaven Can Wait.

He also appeared in a few television shows, The Six Million Dollar Man, Policewoman and a short lived series, The San Pedro Beach Bums.

In the late 70s, he moved to Tucson, were he ran several businesses as well as doing color commentary for the University of Arizona football team for over 20 years. He was united in marriage with Donna Schubert on March 18, 1982 in Tucson.

They were known for their involvement in numerous charities and famous for their wonderful Super Bowl parties, which were attended by numerous friends and family members. In later years, Les and Donna spent summers traveling the country in their beloved motor home, visiting friends and family coast to coast.

Les is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna as well as his daughter, Merry Berkelo (Dave) and step-children, Teri Bovington (Sam) and Scott Schubert (Daria). He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his siblings, Allan, Marilyn and Charles.

He is preceded in death by his son Paul and his parents.

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