Chet Starr

Chester "Chet" William Starr, 92, of Cedar Falls, Iowa, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024, at Bickford Senior Living, under the care of Hospice. He was born on November 4, 1931, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Chester Winfred Starr and Gladys Marie (Snyder) Starr. Chet graduated from Estherville High School in 1949 and, soon after, answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force on September 1, 1949. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Japan as a radio mechanic, where he proudly rose to the rank of Airman 1st Class before his honorable discharge on January 16, 1953. Upon returning home, Chet pursued his education at the University of Iowa. It was there that he met the love of his life, Vesta Ann Pitsenbarger. They were married on December 22, 1956, at the Methodist church in Redfield, Iowa, and shared a beautiful life together until Ann's passing in 1991. Chet spent over three decades working at Addressograph Multigraph Corporation, where he utilized his technical skills as an office equipment repair technician. He retired on February 28, 1992, after a long and rewarding career. Outside of his professional life, Chet was a man of deep passions, particularly for the great outdoors. He spent countless hours fishing the trout streams of Northeast Iowa, relishing the peace and beauty of nature. His love for adventure extended to his faithful dog, Pepper, who accompanied him on many pheasant hunting trips. Some of Chet’s most cherished memories were made during family vacations, spent tent camping and in cozy cabins along the lakeshores of Minnesota. His deep appreciation for nature and his infectious joy in sharing these experiences with his family will forever be treasured. Chet is survived by his three children: Deborah (Bob) Condra of Cedar Falls, Iowa; James (Jenelle) Starr of Raleigh, NC; and Mary Starr (Mike Llewellyn) of Lee’s Summit, MO. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Laurie Condra (Lucien Carter), Karen Yokem (Cody Clark), Austin Gamble, and Colton Gamble, along with two beloved great-grandchildren, Jonah and Mackenzie Yokem. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Gladys; his brothers, Walt and George; his sister, Mary Lou Thompsen; and his wife, Ann. Chet’s love for life, family, and nature will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones. A celebration of Chet’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls. Visitation will be 4:00-6:00 p.m. Monday, September 30th at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls. Interment at Hillside Cemetery in Cedar Falls. Memorials may be directed to the family to be designated at a later date.

Chet Starr

November 4, 1931 - September 26, 2024