Chester D. Charles

October 10, 1926 - December 7, 2020

Iron Mountain Chester D. Charles, 94, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 at Dickinson County Hospital System. Chester was born on October 10, 1926 in Iron Mountain, son of the late August and Anna (Howart) Charles. After graduating from high school, Chester enlisted in the United States Army. Chester served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He also served seven years in West Germany. He received the purple heart and many other medals and awards. Chester retired in 1969 after twenty years with the Army. He married Theresia Paffenzeller on June 29, 1962 in Augsburg, Germany at his Army Unit’s chapel. After leaving Germany, he was assigned to Ft. Lewis, Washington. He lived in Olympia, Washington for forty two years. After retiring from the Army, Chester went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in Olympia and worked for another twenty years. He enjoyed playing golf, traveling, doing puzzles and his dachshund dogs. He also liked to keep his yard looking like a park. Chester and his wife moved back to his hometown of Iron Mountain in 2004. He left many good friends in Olympia, but met many more here in Iron Mountain and at Evergreen Assisted Living. Chester was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He was also a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans and a lifetime member of the Purple Heart Association. Chester participated in the 2019 Honor Flight to Washington DC with his friend Bobbi Jo Riske. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Theresia on June 7, 2009; a sister, Lorraine Blome and brother, William Charles. Chester is survived by two nieces, Patricia Perron of Quinnesec and Jean Smith of Iron Mountain; two nephews, Donald Blome of Florence and Robert (Patty) Blome of Sheboygan Falls, WI. Private visitation and funeral services are being held. Monsignor James Kaczmarek is officiating. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Chester Charles may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.