Tributes

Chester Harley Ridout June 29, 1926---October 30, 2022 Dad passed away peacefully on Sunday evening at the home of his daughter Brenda Erickson, or as he called her "pumpkin". He and Mom have been living in Brenda's home since the fall of 2019. Chester (Chet) was born in Weyerhaeuser, Wisc to Claude, and Bertha (Luke). Chet was the youngest of 9 siblings. He grew up on a farm a few miles north of Weyerhaeuser. He attended high school there. In 1943 he was drafted into the army at the age of 17. After basic training he was sent to Germany to support the frontline troops that had advanced to Berlin to end the war. After his tour of duty, he returned home to work on the family farm. Dad met Clara Mae Jasicki, and they were married in July 1954 in a double wedding with Moms sister Donna, and George (Pudge) Weyek. Mom and Dad moved to NE Minneapolis into half a rental duplex after he was hired at Minnegasco gas company. The other half was occupied by sister Donna, and Pudge. Gary was born in 1955, and Randy in 1956. In 1958 mom and dad purchased a home to be built in a new suburb called Coon Rapids. Brenda was born in 1959, and Jeff was born in 1961, Dad's knowledge of home heating and air conditioning was impressive. In his final few years before retiring, he worked alongside the next generation of service techs teaching them the trade. Dad retired from Minnegasco in 1988 at the age of 62 as a gold certified service tech . Dad enjoyed working around the house, fixing, and making home improvements. He was always willing to help neighbors with projects, or repairs. Into his early 90's he was blowing his own driveway, and the driveways of neighbors. He always had the "I can do this attitude". When the coffee maker, other appliance, or equipment went on the blink..no need to buy a new one.. Dad took it apart and fixed it. He could figure out, and fix just about anything, and he enjoyed the challenge. Chet had many interests. He loved music, played the guitar until losing 3 fingers to a saw. He also played harmonica, and had a good voice. We remember he, and mom standing in front of the sink doing dishes singing together in harmony. Mom and Dad also danced the polka, and waltz. They could move across the dance floor together in perfect rhythm, and step. He played golf, and like most golfers he knew there was room for improvement. Dad liked being outdoors. He was a deer hunter, and bow hunted until his late 80'S. Both he and mom fished for many years, and they enjoyed the quite solitude together. Mom and dad purchased an RV shortly after his retirement, and for a few years were snowbirds in Arizona. Dad leaves behind many good memories, and people that loved him dearly. He was a great man who taught us to appreciate others. He was a very loving father, and husband. We will miss his presence, but he will live on in our hearts, and mind. Chet is survived by his loving, and devoted wife of 68 years Clara Mae. Children Gary, Randy (Cheryl), Brenda Erickson, and Jeff. 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Parents, and 9 siblings, Cyrus, Esther (Norton), Doris,(Working) Leon, Marjorie, (Miller) Minnie, (Jacobson) Lily Mae, Arnold, and Belva.

Tributes

Chester Harley Ridout

June 29, 1926 - October 30, 2022

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