Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:
Lake Linden: Chester Rheault, 92, passed away peacefully at home on Friday morning at his home in Lake Linden MI.
Born in Lake Linden – Bootjack, Chester and his wife Evelyn spent their entire lives living and raising their family in their hometown.
Chester worked well into his 80s. His primary career began in 1958 working for the Ruppe family that owned several entities locally and across the country. He held several positions during a loyal 59 years, most notably President of the 1st National Bank of Calumet.
An active community member, Chester served on the Lake Linden School Board for many years, including 10 years as its President. He also founded the Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools Foundation. He was appointed Director of several bank boards and the Portage Hospital Board. Chester held leadership positions with the Lions Club, served as Chairman of the Copper Country United Way, was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and volunteered as treasurer for the Boy Scouts, among many other roles. If asked to join or help, Chester’s answer was usually “yes.”
He was known by many names—Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Uncle Chester, Godfather, Mr. Rheault, Chester, and Chet. He was a gifted and funny storyteller and quick with a joke. He had the ability to wriggle his ears and make subtle funny faces that entertained his grand kids. He also he had very a serious love for ice cream.
As a young boy, Chester was injured terribly on the family farm, nearly losing his leg. What seemed like a tragedy at the time actually allowed him to gain a full education through a form of “crippled children’s” funding back then, and in turn contributed to his success. A great life lesson for all of us.
Chester was the youngest of five siblings and the son of Ernest and Ida Rheault. He was the last of his generation. He was predeceased by his daughter, Karen Rheault. Chester is survived by his wife of 69 years, Evelyn (whom he married on September 3, 1955), three sons, David (Colleen), Brian (Sheila), and Alan (Martha); five grandchildren, Julie, Roger, Ian (Jill Pindar), Justin (Lucy Beckner), and Casey; and one great-grandson, Bennett, with another great-grandchild expected in April. Additionally, Chester had many nieces and nephews.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Linden with Father Raju Jose to celebrate. Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, November 12, at the Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden.
Condolences may be shared online at pearcefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Lake Linden-Hubbell Public Schools Foundation
https://www.lakelindenschools.org/docs/Foundation%20Donation%20Form.pdf
Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Upper Michigan Chapter (LBFE)
https://www.lbfemichigan.org/waystogive
St Joseph Church of Lake Linden
