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1970
2025
1617 Market St.
Wilmington, North Carolina
Chester Lynn Bachert, 54, of Wilmington, NC, joined his mother and father in heaven on July 15, 2025.
Chester was born on August 16, 1970, in Elmira, NY; but primarily grew up alongside his brothers, in Elkland, PA. At a young age he displayed proficiency working with his hands. From roofs in New York (even though he hated heights as he got older) to carpentry, even working on motorcycles and cars, Chester had the skills to help people around him. So he did, in his free time Chester would be known to help pass this knowledge and way of life down to his daughter, Elizabeth “Liz” Bachert, 21, whom he leaves behind. When Chester moved from Hampstead to the sought after Carolina Beach in 2008, Chester saw that his hard work and determination had paid off, enough so that he started his own business. Bachert Builds was Chester’s pride and joy- a family owned home renovations company. Over the years he helped thousands of clients, even doing special favors every holiday season—like building Christmas toys for the kids and grandkids of clients! Until she was in school, Chester brought Elizabeth with him to every job, every client meeting, and showed her everyday how to be self sufficient and successful while not taking yourself too seriously. He also enlisted the help of Elizabeth’s older half brothers, Dominic and Anthony Kelley. Dominic continues to portray the work ethic shown to him in his teenage years by having his own renovations company. Success comes with habits, and Chester had plenty of them! Every morning he would go to Port City Java and order his caramel mochachino with an extra shot and add whipped cream (while collecting state quarters for Elizabeth) and every Sunday he’d take his little girl out to breakfast. Whether Waffle House or Kate’s Pancake House, Sundays were full of Johnny Cash, love, laughs, and maybe some free labor if he got lucky!
Despite facing some struggles at the time of Chester’s father passing away, he continued to persevere and come out with a new perspective on life. Using this, Chester decided to enroll at Cape Fear Community College where he attended at the same time as Elizabeth! They often saw each other between classes and would enjoy the humor of attending school together, now it sits as a fond memory. Studying Addiction and Recovery Services while working as a skilled carpenter, Chester was yet again reaching to help all those around him that he could. In his free time he loved to call his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews to catch up with them in between travels.
Chester was preceded in death by his mother, Rosetta Learn (née Bachert), and his biological father, Barney Pratt. He is survived by his stepfather, Terrance Learn. He is also survived by his brothers: Terrance (Shusan) Learn Jr., Joshua Learn, Richard Learn, Brett Learn; and from his father, Allen Pratt and sister Janelle Pratt; his daughter, Elizabeth Bachert, and her brothers that he raised while they were hooligans, Dominic and Anthony Kelley.
Chester will be remembered as an outspoken man who centered his life around family, humor, and hard work. His legacy will be continued on in the hearts and minds daily of those who were blessed to know him during this precious life.
Please leave condolences for the family on the guestbook.
22 Entries
Don and Mary Ross
October 29, 2025
Sad to hear—belatedly—of Chester’s passing. We liked him and proud of the carpentry and decisions he made for us in remodeling our condominium a few years ago. Condolences to his family and friends.
Krysta Russell
September 3, 2025
Wow brother I miss you so much
liz bachert
August 16, 2025
happy heavenly 55th dad. i miss you every day. shmoser!
Val Dominick
July 23, 2025
I was a friend to Chesters mom for over 50 yrs., and brought both Chet and Rosie home from Elmira when Chet
was about 6 days old. Beautiful child, loved so deeply by his family, and now with Rose in Heaven above.
Chet was more than a hand-full throughout life; he was born of that personality. However, it does not make
him any less loved; he had a most likeable personality, was kind and caring. Just a few years ago, he gifted me
with something that I had forgotten about.....and it was so very meaningful a gesture. He had inherited some
items of his fathers, and found my deceased brothers class ring in a toolbox. At the time, he did not know
whose it was, but the initials inside the Elkland ring was R.L.H. He showed it to his Mom, and she knew
immediately.....it was my brothers. My mother had given it to my brothers friend, " Barney" and he had kept
it all of those years. That was certainly a true meaningful, giving, and thoughtful thing to do. My son now
has it. Rest in peace all of you; you will never be forgotten.
Sharise Herlinger
July 23, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you, Dad. Love you ❤
Kristen Chadwick
July 22, 2025
I was really heartbroken to hear about Chester. We had the same classes for three semesters straight, and over that time, we became friends. He was such a genuinely kind person with the sweetest soul. What I’ll miss most is how we always checked in on each other—whether it was about school, stress, or just life in general. He was always so supportive and thoughtful, and I’m really grateful for the friendship we shared. He made those semesters a little easier just by being himself. I’ll always remember him with a lot of love and gratitude. My heart goes out to his family and everyone who cared about him.
Andy Rosky
July 22, 2025
I have fond memories of my nephew, Chester. I remember him always with a warm and friendly personality. When he was about 15 or 16 he spent a few days with me helping with some home improvement projects around my home in Elmira New York. One of those projects was for him to paint the trim on my front porch facing the street that lead to the high school around the corner. Summer session was in, so lots of kids walked by the house. About 2 hours into the project I went to check on Chet to see how the painting process was coming along. To my amazement I found very little trim painted and Chet up on the roof chatting away with all the pretty young girls his age as they walked by the house. He was always one with lots of self confidence and never shy to introduce himself to others. Needless to say the porch didn’t get painted till the next day, when school wasn’t in session. Chet was a good kid. I regret not spending more time with him as he grew into a man. I know he is now with my sister, his mother, Rosie and is at peace.
Kayla McGirt
July 22, 2025
As a fellow classmate of Chester, I had the opportunity of having multiple classes with him and he was such a sweet soul. Sending condolences as well as prayers to his family during this time.
Chris Warren-Francis
July 21, 2025
So sad to hear this. We grew up together, lots of memories and great friendship. Prayers and thoughts going to your family, may they find peace that you are back in Rosie's arms.
Jake & Phyllis Star Rathbun
July 20, 2025
We want to send our deepest sympathy for your loss of Chester. Unfortunately we were unaware of his passing to attend the service. Love and prayers to all, especially his Grandmother and my Aunt Mabel Rosky.
Olga Cruz
July 20, 2025
I was one of Chester’s classmate at cfcc. While I did not know well I want to send my sincerest condolences to his family. I will be keeping you in my prayers as you navigate this hard time. May Chester rest in peace
Sunja Mitchell
July 20, 2025
I am one of Chester’s classmates at CFCC. Even though I didn’t know him personally I wanted to send his friends and family my heartfelt condolences. Sending love and prayers
Charlotte Byrd
July 20, 2025
I am one of Chester’s classmates from Cape Fear Community College, and while I did not know him personally I would like to send my thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. My sincerest condolences to everyone.
Jenn Guy
July 20, 2025
In my phone he was listed as Chester Building Extraordinare. I got to know Chester very well over the past year. What a kind and attentive soul. I came to know him as part of my Wilmington family. He was a loving and attentive companion to my cousin Ren. He would flash his million dollar smile and speak of their love and how thankful he was that they met. Chessie spoke of future plans, that he and Ren wanted to build a house in the mountains... wake up to feel that mountain breeze and breath in that cool fresh air. Chessie and Ren worked hard on several building projects on my property. What a team! Chester also had his own successful business. Chester and his work colleague Aaron rebuilt my gardening shed and repaired my home. It was this endless list of fixes and repairs...and every day he would smile and knock it out. I really appreciated his kind soul, his witty jokes and our long talks. Lots of love to Chester's family, friends, daughters and to Ren. I'm so thankful to share him with you.
Susan Cornelius
July 20, 2025
Chet is my cousin & the first baby I was ever aware of. As a child I was in wonder at his beautiful white bassinet. His great grandparents are my grandparents.
He had so much strength and courage.
You could see how he did his best to help & encourage others in their difficulties.
Even though we as family do not know each other well you are all loved. Our deepest condolences. May God comfort each of you! With love, Susie
Jody Vargeson
July 20, 2025
My childhood best friend! I can't believe it. so many memories! some good, ALOT bad! lol. I was so glad to see you last year, too. bad it was under those circumstances. Fly high my Brother! I will surely miss you! Until we meet again. Prayers to your family. So sorry Elizabeth, and Sharise. Love you Chet!
Cathy Sherman-Putman
July 20, 2025
I've known Chettie since he was a baby, I was friends with Rose & Terry since forever. He was a good boy, a little mischievous but would help anyone. I love Chettie dearly and always will, he took a piece of my heart but Rosie got to meet him at the gate. I know he loved his mom & missed her and now they're together, and that's beautiful. Love you Chettie, now & forever!!!
Patty Baldwin
July 20, 2025
We are so very sorry in the loss of Chettie, as we called him. Our prayers are with his family and those his life touched! His Mother is my cousin, his Gramma, my Aunt. May God grant love and peace to you all with Chester's absence! Hugs, love and prayers, Patty & Chuck
Christie Fish-Allen
July 20, 2025
So sad to see this! Have not seen Chet in many years, but grew up at the same time in our little town of Elkland. Many memories! Peace to all who loved him ♥
Michelle Nichols
July 20, 2025
It has been a while since we have seen each other. But will always remember all the fun times and adventures we had growing up. You will always be loved and missed.
Penny Harris
July 20, 2025
Thoughts and prayers to the Family and Friends of Chet. RIP Chet, you’ll be dearly missed .. love you
Dr. Larolyn Zylicz
July 19, 2025
Chester was one of my BEST online students this semester in my psychology class! I only got to know a little about him through his Introduction of himself online but his post was dynamic!! I truly wish I could have gotten to meet and know him. My sincere sympathy to his family and his loved ones!! I'm sure he will be very miss!!
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