Mr. Chester Conard Esters, 90, of Alpha, Illinois, passed away Monday, December 30, 2024, at Woodridge Supportive Living, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born December 5, 1934, in Monmouth, Illinois, the son of Orba and Mary (Brooks) Esters. He married the love of his life Alice Jean Gustafson in Jefferson City, Indiana, on October 12, 1957 and spent 67 long and happy years together.
Left to cherish Chester’s Memory is his wife Alice; his sons Joel (Kellie) Esters, and Larry (LeAnn) Esters; his siblings Simeon Esters, James (Jeanie) Esters, and Evelyn Shaver; his grandchildren Austin Esters, Abigail Esters, Noah Martin, and Jake Martin; and many more extended family members and close friends. Chester is preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings William Esters, Elizabeth Oertry, and Nova Goedeke.
Chester proudly made Alpha his home for many years. He had acted as parade marshal alongside his wife Alice for Alpha’s 150th birthday parade. Chester had also volunteered as a firefighter for the Alpha Fire Department, eventually working his way up to becoming a Fire Chief. Chester had served in The United States Army, being stationed in Germany. He had worked as a mechanic for Lynn Implement in Lynn Center, retiring in 2002. However not one to sit idle for too long, Chester picked up working as a farm hand in his off time while retired. Chester loved camping, bowling, playing horseshoes, and hosting weenie roasts while spending time with his family.
Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Alpha United Methodist Church in Alpha, Illinois, with a funeral service to follow. Pastor Roger Swanson will officiate the services. Burial will be held at Alpha Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alpha United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
