Chester Maris Aydelotte Jr.

CHESTER MARIS AYDELOTTE, JR. PORTAGE, IN

Chester Maris Aydelotte, Jr., age 94, of Portage, IN entered heaven June 12, 2014. He was born June 6, 1920 in Gary, IN, the son of Chester Maris Aydelotte and Margaret (Benz) Aydelotte. Chester's early years were spent in Glen Park, Chesterton, and East Gary, IN where he graduated from Edison High School in 1938. During the tough times of the Great Depression he helped out by working at a dairy farm and driving a dump truck. At 18, he hired in at U.S. Steel. Answering Uncle Sam's call during WW II, he was a Navy man on the oiler USS Lackawanna for four years in the South Pacific. Chet worked as a Switchman for the EJ & E Railroad at the Gary Works of USS. He retired in 1980 with 47 years of service. Chet is now joyously reunited with his Sweetheart, Anne, who preceded him in February of 2014. They were blessed with 57 years of marriage. They made their home in Portage. After retiring, they enjoyed 20 years of being Snowbirds with a home in Sebring, FL. A kid at heart, he loved hosting kids and grandkids at Disney World and other parks! Chet and Annie returned to Portage in recent years to be near family. Chester is survived by his children: Candice (John) Klimut of Istanbul, Turkey, Kathy (Mike) Bloomquist of Gleason, WI, Denise (late Ed) Wodesky of Las Vegas, NV, Lori (Tim) Larson of Portage, IN, and Michael (Chaya) Aydelotte of Demotte, IN; daughter-in-law, JoAnn Aydelotte of Garner, IA; grandchildren: Jim (Darlene) Aydelotte and Scott (Michelle) Aydelotte of IA, Julie (Jamie) Belant of Wl, Eric Bloomquist of AK, and Travis Larson of IN; great grandchildren: Salida Aydelotte, Derek Burgener, Cameron, Mackenzie, and Cadence Belant, Noah, Hannah, Jessie, and Kaycee Bloomquist; brother, Elmer (Billie) Aydelotte of Sebring, FL; brother-in-law, Paul Lazar of Bartlett, IL. He is also survived by special friends: Julie and Felix Bannon; plus many extended relatives, step-grandchildren, and friends. Beside his parents, Chester was also preceded in death by his son, Terry Aydelotte; sisters: Katherine Speering and Helen Koda; brothers: Raymond, Tommy and Jackie Aydelotte. A very loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, and Son, Chet was all about FAMILY. He loved deeply and unconditionally and was always there for us. Fun loving and very generous, you could always count on Dad. Dad had a special warmth about him and a great sense of humor! A Storyteller Extraordinaire, he was always willing to share his wit and wisdom. He was a very hardworking guy all his life and shared what he had with everyone. Cameras, CB's, Scanners, Recorders, and Computers were his passion. He used his laptop into his 90' s! He enjoyed many road trips around the USA and Canada. Chet loved politics, jazz, and CHOCOLATE!! Next to grandkids, campers, motorcycles, scooters, fishing and his Florida home were more favorites. What a ride!! Dad, miss you so much but we're happy you're free and with Mom again. Always remember how very much you're loved! "I'LL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMETIME"!! We've been richly blessed to have you in our lives! A Celebration of Chester's Life will be held Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Evangelical Covenant Church of Portage, 5051 Central Ave., Portage with Pastor Michaile Broadnax officiating. Visitation with family from 10:00 a.m. until time of Celebration at 11:30 a.m. Lunch at church following service. Memorials in Chester's name may be given to VNA Hospice Foundation, 2401 Valley Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Arrangements were handled through Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, IN 46368. Call (219) 762-3013 or online at: www.reesfuneralhomes.com