Chester Zwemer

Posted

(Oct. 19, 2007)

Memorial services will be conducted today (Tuesday) at 2 p.m. at the Powell Church of Christ for Chester Lewis Zwemer, 84, Powell, who died peacefully Friday, Oct. 19 at New Horizons Care Center in Lovell of complications from diabetes.

He was born April 22, 1923, in Frannie to John and Etta Zwemer. He graduated from Deaver High School where he participated in all sports. He especially loved basketball which he continued to play well in his 60s.

He met the love of his life, Ellen M. Jones, just before he went into the military in World War II. He served in Okinawa from 1945-1946. When he returned, Chester and Ellen were married in Powell.

They lived in Warren, Mont., where their first two daughters were born. They then purchased a farm near Deaver where they had three more children and together began raising cattle, sheep and various crops. During those years, Chet served on several boards, including the REA, Farm Bureau, Deaver School Board and the Deaver Irrigation District. One of his favorite passions was horses. In his later years, he always talked of having a large herd as he once had in Warren.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 60 years, Ellen; daughters Nancy Jensen of Shelton, Wash., Connie (David) Brickley of Billings, Mont., and Zoe (Larry) Brewer of Powell; two sons, Dan Zwemer of Deaver and Zan (Lila) Zwemer of Lander; two sisters, Mary Ann (Gordon) Booth of Veteran and Polly (David) Lehman of Bridger, Mont.; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Etta Zwemer of Bridger; two brothers, Richard and Virgil Zwemer, both of Frannie; and a sister, Opal Phillips of Buffalo.

For those who wish, the family would appreciate memorials to the American Diabetes Association. Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Comments