Art was born in Hesperia, Michigan, the son of George Washington Chester and Helen (Golden). He served his country in the U.S. Navy during the end of World War II. He met the love of his life, Jean Wieten, while roller-skating in Muskegon, and they were married on January 22, 1948, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. They made their home in Muskegon Heights, where he was also employed as a Core Assembler at Campbell, Wyant & Cannon Foundry. Together, they raised five children; Jim, Jane, Denny, Tom and Andy. The family enjoyed camping together very often, as Art was an avid outdoorsman. Aside from his wife, Jean, hunting and fishing were his passion, along with mushrooming. When he retired in 1986, he and Jean moved to Dalton Township, where he continued to enjoy camping, hunting, fishing, gardening and family activities. He had a brilliant mind and was a genius at inventing things to aid in his activities. He was a member of St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church. He was able to attend his grandson's wedding a few weeks before passing away from liver cancer. He is survived by Jean, his wife of 60 years; three sons, Dennis Chester of Indian River, MI, Thomas Chester of Muskegon, MI, and Andrew Chester of Kingsley, MI; one daughter, Jane (Larry) Johnson of Rockford, MI; daughter-in-law, Hazel (John) Deater of Twin Lake, MI; eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert (Midge) Chester of Twin Lake, MI, and Gene (Maude) Chester of Twin Lake, MI; three sisters, Marie Eyestone, Mona (Gary) Scouten, and Marjorie (David) Watkins; one sister-in-law, Barbara Chester of Twin Lake, MI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Louis Chester and Albert Chester; a sister, Ruth Barnett; a son, James Chester; and two daughters-in-law, Virginia Chester and Marti Chester. When asked by his grandson if he was rich, Art said that because of the many blessings of his life and family that, yes, he was a rich man.



Miss Me - But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little - but not too long
and not with your heat bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me - but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
and each must go alone
It's all part of the Master's plan
a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
go to the friends we know
and bury your sorrow in doing good deeds
Miss me - but let me go.

Author Unknown