Stewart Chester

Stewart Edward Chester died peacefully at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN on September 19, 2015. He loved one woman for 73 years, Rosella Mae Bohan. Father to Beverly, William (Bill), Clarisse and Gary, grandfather to eight, great-grandfather to nine and great-great-grandfather to two. The youngest child of Frederick and Mabel (Nason) Chester, he was preceded in death by his loving parents, brothers Frederick and Newell, son Bill and grandson Shane. Born in Northfield, MN to a farming family, he left high school to join the Army and was barely 24 years old when he received the Silver Star. As a member of the 17th, 101st, and 82nd Airborne Divisions he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant while serving in battles and campaigns in Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe, and was the most decorated WWII soldier in Rice County. Stewart was a musician, war hero, storyteller, river rat, avid collector and fixer of toasters, clocks, and radios; a fountain of knowledge. He loved an audience, regaling listeners for hours with tales of his many adventures, spending time with his grandchildren, sitting on the deck and indulging his voracious sweet tooth. He was a true character, and his laughter, spirit, sharp sense of humor and attitude towards life and love will be deeply missed. In his words, "I guess you could say I've had an interesting life".

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 12:00 noon at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault, with the Rev. Henry Doyle officiating. Interment will be held at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park with full military honors conducted by the Rice County Central Veterans Association. Reception to follow at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Purple Heart Foundation in memory of Stewart.