Chester Leroy Smith

Funeral Service for Chester L. Smith age 90 of Neligh will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh with Pastor David Kuhfal. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery Military Rites conducted by Neligh American Legion Post #172 and Legion Riders. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh. Chester passed away Monday, August 29, 2016 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk with his family by his side. Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials are designated to Grace Lutheran Church in Neligh. Chester Leroy Smith was born on March 17, 1926 to Daniel and Gertrude (Schaecher) Smith in Battle Creek, NE. He attended school in Battle Creek. He entered in the United States Navy on June 29, 1944 in Omaha, NE. He was discharged from St. Louis, MO on May 20, 1946. After the service, he was united in marriage to Vivian Jean Stevens on February 23, 1951 at Meadow Grove, NE. In 1952, they made their home in Neligh where he worked for Elkhorn Public Power from October 1949 until retiring in March of 1988. Chester enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing. Vivian and Chester enjoyed traveling together. He was member of the Grace Lutheran Church and belonged to Neligh Housing Board Authority, Senior Center Board, and Neligh American Legion Post #172. Survived by his son: Steve (Diane) Smith of Scottsbluff, NE and their children: Shannon, Mindee, and Kristine. Son, Daniel (Janet) Smith of Johnson Lake, NE. Son-in-law, Charlie Linkugel of Lincoln, NE his children: Tara and Nathan. Daughter-in-law, Bonnie Smith of Norfolk, NE her children: Justin, Amber, and Crystal. 18 great grandchildren. Brothers: Pete (Donna) Smith, Rhonnie (Judy) Smith all of Battle Creek, NE. Barry (Joan) of Arizona. Sister: Peg (Don) Boyer of Battle Creek, NE, Mami (Virgil) Prochaska and Sandie (Lloyd) Davis of Oregon. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Vivian in 1998. Daughter, Sue and son, Jeff. Brothers: Daryl, Donald, Jack Arden. Sisters: Dee and Brenda.