Chester I. Hills Jr.

Chester I. Hills Jr., 89, of Hickory Corners, died January 13, 2024.  Chester was born June 4, 1934 in Chicago, IL to Chester and Gertrude (Haberstein) Hills, Sr.  He graduated Fenger High School in Chicago and received his bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College.  He then got his master’s degree from Chicago St. University in 1969.  He worked as a teacher and counselor for many years before he retired.  In addition to teaching, Chester served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Commander. 

Chester was a man of country and faith.  He was proud to serve in the Navy and dedicated his life to the Lord.  He faithfully attended church since he was young and held various leadership positions in the church.  He was most recently a member of Lutheran Church of the Savior.  He enjoyed singing, camping, reading, studying military history, traveling and spending time with family.  He was a member of the MOAA. 

Chester is survived by his wife, Lorraine.  They were married in 2005.  He is also survived by his daughter, Sarah (Timothy) Krause; two step-daughters, Elizabeth (James) Potter and Victoria (James) Towery; a sister, Elizabeth (David) Hardy; grandchildren, Ashley (Joseph) Douglas, Stephanie (Christopher) Ray and Laura (Jack) O’Brien; six great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Chester married Marilyn Kreuger in 1961.  She sadly preceded him in death in 1979.  He was also preceded in death by his parents. 

A memorial service to celebrate Chester’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Lutheran Church of the Savior, 3616 East G Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49004 with a luncheon to immediately follow.  A committal service with military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  Memorial donations may be made to the church.  Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.