Reed Chester

Reed was born on November 29, 1933 in Webster, South Dakota and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 13, 2022.

Upon graduating from the University of South Dakota in 1953, Reed entered the U.S. Navy where he became a blimp pilot. Reed served in the U.S. Navy from August 2, 1953 to March 21, 1960 where he obtained the rank of Lieutenant. Shortly after joining the Navy, Reed married the love of his life Mary Dorothy Mahowald on November 27, 1954 and they were married for 64 years.

Mary preceded Reed in going home on June 29, 2019. Reed and Mary had six (6) children; Jean Willeford (Larry), Scott Chester, Susan Arrigo (Len), Wade Chester, Ross Chester (Sue) and Todd Chester (deceased, 1999). Reed has ten (10) grandchildren, twelve (12) great-grandchildren and one (1) great great-grandchild.

Reed was a standout athlete at Watertown South Dakota high school where he was on the varsity track team and varsity football team. In fact, he held the 100 yard dash school record when he graduated in 1950.  Reed worked as graphic artist for fifty years. He dabbled in oil painting and was quite good at it. He also enjoyed playing on his flight simulator software on his MAC computer.

Reed’s life revolved around his entire family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his faith in Jesus Christ. His motto was “life is not about me, it’s about the ones I love.” Reed was humble, gentle and kind and always did whatever it took to ensure Mary was happy and to send his children to private schools and provide for all their wants and need

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