Chester Gerome Ryen, 79
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 14 years, 10 months AGO
Chester Gerome Ryen, 79, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 5, 2011. He was surrounded by his caring and loving family.
Chester is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elnora May Ryen. Chester has three children, Sandi Kukkola (Gary) of El Dorado Hills, Calif.; Mike Ryen (Beth) of Hayden; and Robin Douglas (Ron) of North Salt Lake, Utah; step-daughters Kathleen Montee (Dave) of Post Falls, Hazel Nicholson of Post Falls; and brother Kenneth Ryen (Sharon) of Coeur d'Alene. Chester had 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle (Iverson) and Erling Ryen and brothers Howard "Richie," Wayne and Marvin Ryen, all of Coeur d'Alene; two great-grandchildren; and one step-son.
Chester was born in Bowman, N.D., on Nov. 14, 1931. In 1939, he moved to Coeur d'Alene with his family where he resided the remainder of his life. Chester loved Coeur d'Alene, was proud of its history and would never consider living elsewhere.
Chester joined the Army in 1949 where he served as a mechanic in Korea during the war. He was honorably discharged in 1953. Chester was employed by the Idaho Veneer Company in Post Falls from 1954 to the time he retired in 1988. There he made many lifelong friends.
Chester was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church nearly all his life. He regularly attended Saturday Men's Bible Study and Sunday morning Church services.
As a member of the American Legion, Chester held all offices in the Post including Post Commander. He was a Paid Up For Life (PUFL) member and very active in all things that affect Veterans.
Chester was a member of the Eagles in Coeur d'Alene where he often enjoyed dinners and dances. Chester loved the outdoors. A perfect weekend would be spent camping and fishing with his family. Brother's Richie, Kenny, nephew Jerry and son Mike were his best fishing buddies.
Later in life one of Chester's greatest joys was his great-grandchildren.
Viewing was held Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene. The funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with graveside services immediately following at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens.
Donations in Chester's memory can be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.
Please sign Chester's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.