Chester Youngren

Chester Youngren, 90, of Dayton, Iowa, went home to Jesus on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at his home.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Dayton. Pastor Kay Christie & Pastor Alaire Willits will officiate. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m., at the church. Burial will be in Lost Grove Cemetery rural Harcourt. For online obituaries and condolences please visit: www.carsonstappfuneralhome.com

Chester Frank Adolf Youngren was born on January 10, 1925, in Boxholm, Iowa, the son of Fred and Judith (Johnson) Youngren. He graduated with the Dayton High School class of 1943. Chester enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII serving aboard the USS Graffias AF29 in the Pacific from 1944 to 1946.

On October 17, 1948, Chester was united in marriage to Ileen Snyder at the United Methodist Church in Dayton. The couple farmed north of Dayton until 1992 when Chester retired.

Chester was a member of the United Methodist Church in Dayton and also the United Methodist Church in Lehigh. He belonged to the American Legion.

Chester is survived by two daughters, Teresa (Bill) Brecht, St. Charles, Missouri; Elaine Winchell, Dayton, Iowa; son-in-law, Don Rutenbeck, Ironton, Missouri; grandsons Dan (Sarah) Brecht, St. Charles, Missouri; Jon Brecht, St. Charles, Missouri; & Justin Winchell, Altoona, Iowa; brother Clarence Youngren, Antelope, California, step-granddaughters Ahnada (Dean) Stephenson, Altoona, Iowa; Carissa (Steve) Lahey, Ankeny, Iowa and Nikki (Doug) Vogel, Altoona, Iowa; eight great-step-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 64 years, Ileen in December of 2012; son, Tim Youngren; daughter, Anne Rutenbeck & brother, Robert Youngren.

Chester loved farming and raising Angus cattle. He enjoyed attending Bible studies, working outside, fishing with his grandchildren and bowling. Chester liked to travel and especially enjoyed his trip to Sweden with Ileen to see relatives residing there. Chester attended the yearly reunion of the USS Graffias AF29. He initiated this reunion with his fellow shipmates in the 1990's. Chester was a mentor at the Dayton SE Webster Elementary School for several years and enjoyed reading to the children and helping them with math. He served on the Dayton School Board for several terms and each of his daughters was privileged to have him present their DHS diploma at graduation.

Lunch will be provided immediately following the Celebration of Life Service. At 2 PM all are welcome to join the procession for the graveside interment service at Lost Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA; the John Stoddard Cancer Center, Des Moines, IA or left to the discretion of the family.