Lee Chedester

Lee Chedester

1946-2021

Lee Chedester, 74 of Parker, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Memorial Service will be at 10:30 Friday, April 2 at the Church of God in Marion. Visitation will be from 6-8: p.m. Thursday, April 1 at Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home, Parker. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/HofmeisterJonesFuneralHome/. Arrangements by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home, Parker, S. Dak.

Memorials may be directed to the National Kidney Foundation.

Lee Edward Chedester was born on Nov. 6, 1946 to Brainard and Virginia (Gregson) Chedester in Newton, Iowa. He started school  in Newton before moving with his family to New Sharon, where he graduated from North Mahaska High School. His family was very involved with horse shows, even if he liked it or not. While attending school in New Sharon, he met the love of his life, Linda Pinkerton. Together, they dedicated their lives to Jesus.

After high school, Lee was drafted into the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. After the war, he returned to New Sharon and married Linda on April 6, 1968. To this union, four children were born. A job brought them to Parker, S. Dak. where they settled the family on their acreage. He worked in sales for 20 years, when his entrepreneurship led him to start a business with his wife and another with his son, Adam.

He may have retired, but never stopped working. Lee enjoyed mowing, cutting wood, and any form of outdoor labor. When he wasn’t working, Lee’s favorite tradition was attending the Iowa State Fair. Lee also loved spending time with his family. He had six grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was so proud of all of them and was always there rooting them on whether it was football games, basketball, volleyball, band, graduations or weddings, he was always there cheering them on.

If he didn’t get the chance to pick on you, you’ve missed out. Lee’s personality was something you’d never forget. He knew how to make everyone feel special. Lee’s faith was strong and he loved the Lord with all his heart. Besides Jesus, he also loved his wife and family. His advice for a Godly marriage was Jesus first and “yes dear” second. In 2015, Lee’s brother-in-law, Dave Pinkerton, donated his kidney “Leftie” to Lee.

Lee is survived by his wife Linda, children Adam (Pattie) Chedester, Amy (Randy) Koehn, and Megan Redd; grandchildren Kassie Jo (Bryce) Steffel, Miranda Chedester (Nick), Caleb Chedester (Jill), Aiden Chedester, Tyrell Love, Kamaree Redd; one great grandson Harrison Steffel; and sisters Ruth Ann Johannes and Rose Shira. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Tricia; parents Brainard and Virginia Chedester; and step-father Ray Summers.