Michael E. Chester

Michael E. Chester, 73, died Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at his home under the care of his family and OhioHealth Hospice.

“I'm a firm believer in the theory that people only do their best at things they truly enjoy. It is difficult to excel at something you don’t enjoy.” This was stated by Jack Nicklaus and it’s fair to say Mike Chester certainly practiced this theory in the pride he took in caring for his family, doing his job, and also on the golf course as well as the bowling alley.

Mike was born March 12, 1950 in Bucyrus to the late Lyle E. and Dorothy J. (Lininger) Chester and was a 1968 graduate of Wynford High School. On December 4, 1969, he married Marsha A. Daiber and she survives. He served in the US Navy for four years and was trained in morse code and radio communication through the US Naval Training Center Bainbridge. Much of his service time was spent in Norfolk, Virginia. It was during this period of time he was introduced to the game of golf by fellow serviceman and close friend Nelson “Herk” Leyerle.

Mike returned home from the service and partnered with his dad in Chester Trucking. They delivered various products to individuals and area businesses. He eventually bought his own truck and did over-the-road-trucking for about 15 years, working for various companies. Wanting to be closer to home, Mike next took on a position with Putnam Trucking, where he worked until they closed. He finished his work career at Arctic Cat and worked part time at Valley View Golf Club, where he did a lot of mowing during the golf season and equipment maintenance during the winter months.

Mike’s passions included family, golf, and bowling. They shared many road trips together, which allowed them to see much of the country and, whenever they were home, their family spent many weekends together playing games and simply enjoying time spent with one another. Mike enjoyed many rounds of golf with family and friends, and many of those good times were had at Valley View. He golfed in various leagues and was always up for a good skins game. After his 50th birthday, he began entering US Senior Amateur Qualifiers and, in 2007, he qualified for the finals which were held at Flint Hills National in Wichita, Kansas. Though he didn’t make it out, it was one of his greatest golf experiences. He went on to become a Club Champion at Bucyrus and a 10-time Club Champ at Valley View. Once the winter months neared, a bowling ball replaced his golf clubs. Mike enjoyed bowling in various leagues, was fortunate enough to have rolled two 300 games, a 299, as well as qualifying for the Bill Bahm Invitational. He might still hold the record for getting knocked out of the tournament after rolling two 900s.

Mike was a member of Lemert United Methodist Church, Bucyrus Moose Lodge, and a former member of the Galion Elks Lodge. He enjoyed tinkering with, and regripping golf clubs. Their family took in many Bratwurst Festival Parades when they lived on S. Sandusky Ave and Mike was always up for an ice-cold Coca-Cola.

In addition to Marsha, his wife of 53 years, Mike is survived by sons, Phillip (Carissa) Chester and Steven (Jaclyn) Chester; grandchildren, Kaleb, Haley, and Abi Chester; sisters, Carol (Mike) Schreck and Joyce (Brenda Young) Liming; sisters-in-law, Carol Daiber and Kay (Mark) Voorhees; as well as several extended family members and some really great friends.

Services will be held on Monday, July 24 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. The Chester family will receive friends from 5-5:55 pm. At 6:00, military honors will be observed by the US Navy Honor Guard and Bucyrus Veteran Military Funeral Detail followed by his memorial service with Pastor Brad Smith officiating. Mike will be laid to rest in Brokensword Cemetery at a later date.

Contributions in Mike’s memory are encouraged to be made payable to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and left at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on his Tribute Wall.