Chester Walsh

FUNERAL SERVICES: 11 AM Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at St. Peter, the Apostle Catholic Church INTERMENT: Interment will be made in St. Peter, the Apostle Catholic Cemetery next to his wife, Anna CHESTER WALSH March 8, 1917 "January 18, 2009Chester Walsh, age 91, a life long Park Rapids, MN area resident, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, January 18, 2009. Chester was born on March 8, 1917 to Edmund and Essie (Kimball) Walsh at their home in Arago Township, north of Park Rapids, MN. It was in this same area that Chester attended country school a good walk from his home near Dinner Lake. As a young man, Chester cut firewood which he would split and haul into Park Rapids to sell. Later, he gained employment driving truck for Nash Finch Grocery Wholesalers in Fargo delivering groceries to stores throughout North Dakota and experiencing numerous adventures traveling the back roads of the remote countryside. On February 22, 1941, Chester was united in marriage to Anna Mabel Eischens at St. Marys Catholic Church in Two Inlets, MN. This union was blessed with four children: Bill, Sue, Coleen and Mike. Shortly after their marriage, Pearl Harbor was attacked and Chester was called into military service. He proudly served in the United States Army as an amphibious engineer in the Pacific theatre of WWII. After his honorable discharge, Chester returned home to see his three year old son, Billy, who was born while he had been away at War. Chester resumed logging in the Pine and hardwood forests near Park Rapids, a job he loved. His career spanned over 60 years and brought him into numerous timber tracts throughout this area. He skillfully operated heavy equipment in the woods and especially enjoyed building roads to his logging operations with his John Deere 350 Crawler. Throughout the years, Chester enjoyed the solid relationship he had forged with the Potlatch Corporation and the many friends he had made in the industry. He was proud to have formed a partnership with his son, Mike in 1985. He worked daily in the business until well after his 75th birthday. Over the years, Chester enjoyed his outings at the family hunting shack in Clover Township. He loved to hunt and spend time building memories with his family there. He also enjoyed snowmobiling the forest trails throughout the area. Chester loved to dance and he and Anna attended many local Saturday night dances. He was a long time member of St. Peter, the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids. He was formerly a long time member of the Park Rapids Lions Club, The Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids and the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post of Menahga. Most of all, Chester devoted his life to his wife, his children and his grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. His positive and encouraging spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. Chester will be lovingly remembered by his children: Bill (Bonnie) Walsh of Bismarck, ND, Sue (Dave) Kordell of Nisswa, MN, Coleen Walsh of Park Rapids and Mike (Shelli) Walsh of Park Rapids; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; his sister, Delores Elam of Dayton, Ohio; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Anna in 2007; two sisters: Carrie Malm and Mabel Gulbrandson and his brother, Harris Walsh. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at St. Peter, the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. The organist will be Joy Horejsi and the music will be led by the Alleluia Choir. Casket bearers will be Chester"s grandchildren: John Walsh, Dan Walsh, Amy Christensen, Katie Hanson, Joe Hollister, Abe Hollister, Dylan Walsh and Kody Walsh. The honorary casket bearers will be his great grandchildren: Bethany Schneider, Caleb Christensen, Wyatt Hanson, Joshua Christensen, Noah Hanson, Tristan Walsh, Gideon Hollister, Levi Hanson, Koleman Walsh, Adelynn Hollister, Isaac Hanson and Mae Hollister. Interment will be made in St. Peter, the Apostle Catholic Cemetery next to his wife, Anna. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of the North Marine Corps League. A luncheon reception will be held for all after the funeral service.