Chester Edward Held

Chester Edward Held went to be with his Lord on May 17, 2005.


He was born to Edward Henry and Elizabeth Held on November 8, 1915 in Chicago, Illinois. His growing up years was spent in northern and southern California. He married Viona Haycock on April 9, 1939. Towards the end of World War II, Chester was called into the Marine Corps Reserves, but didn't see any action before the war ended. He retired as a Letter Carrier from the United States Postal Service in 1977 and he and Vi moved to Middletown, California.

Chester was actively involved with the Lions Club (Viona was an active Lioness) of Canoga Park, California and later on with the Middletown Lions. He helped build their current building and was the Building Manager for several years. For many years, Chester and Vi enjoyed golfing with the Elks Lodge and Lions Club and both received many trophies and awards for their efforts. During the 1990's, Chester and Vi were active volunteers for the Lake County Sheriffs Department, where he shuttled Sheriff vehicles between offices. After the death of his beloved wife Vi in 2001, he moved to La Grande, Oregon to reside with his son Joseph and daughter-in-law Donna. He was very happy to spend his remaining years in their care. On April 15, 2005, Chet accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

He is survived by his son Joseph, daughter-in-law Donna, grandsons Jonathan Held - all of La Grande, David Held of St. Cloud, Minnesota, granddaughter Laura Hall and family of Corning, California, his sister Vida McConnell of Grass Valley, California, and nieces and nephews of California and Washington. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Viona Held, his daughter Penelope Lee Farinash, grandsons David Farinash and Timothy Held, sister and brother-in-law Viola & Harry Randsdall.

Graveside services will be held in Middletown, California later this month. Memorials may be made to your favorite charity or organization in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850.