Visitation: Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service.
Service: A Celebration of Chester’s Life will begin at 2:00 p.m. Wed, December 20, 2023 at Canton United Methodist Church.
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Chester Bowling, age 81, died Sunday, December 10, 2023 surrounded by his family at Good Samaritan Society Canton. A Celebration of Chester’s Life will begin at 2:00 p.m. Wed, December 20, 2023 at Canton United Methodist Church. Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service. www.andersonandsonsfh.com
Chester was born on November 11, 1942 in Cincinnati, OH to Chester and Mary (Amos) Bowling. He graduated from Little Miami High School in Marrow, OH in 1962. He later obtained a business degree from Draughn’s Business College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force.
While stationed at Sheppard Air Force, he met his future wife, Elizabeth “Liz” Olmstead. They were married on July 22, 1966 in Wichita Falls, TX. The couple moved to Canton, SD in 1971, lived in California for 2 years, and returned to Canton, SD in 1976. Chester mostly worked in the dairy industry during his life.
Although Chester enjoyed telling jokes, listening to his record collection, playing his harmonica, and listening to all genres of 50’s – 80’s music, his calling in life was being a foster parent. Through the years, Chester and Liz provided 28 mostly teenage children with the safe, loving, and supportive home. Chester was known to be a firm parent but always provided encouraging words, unconditional love, and made his foster kids feel that they were special. He was also a man of God and a long-time member of Canton United Methodist Church.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 56 years, Liz; foster children, Kimberly (Dan) Wells, Michael (Vanna) Zylstra, and David (Jenny) Wagner; grandchildren, Chelsea (Dylan) Fossum, Jesse and Brandy Lokken, Brian Wells, and Tristen and Keaten Wagner; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Jack, and Reid Fossum and Brendan Lokken; brother, Dr. Andrew (Donna) Bowling; sister, Susan (Bruce “Buzz”) Burgess; step-brothers, John Hess and Morgan Hess; along with numerous extended relatives, foster families, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gene Dixon-Bowling; and great-grandson, Mason Lokken.
sorry for loss
Dear Liz & Family, We are thinking of you and sending hugs and prayers to help get you thru this difficult time. Chester has left quite the legacy and will always be remembered in awe. My favorite memory of Chester is him discussing the different music genres with my son Bobby… (because he took the time). ❤️
This is Michael & Vanna Zylstra. We are sorry for your loss mom. Dad was a good father to me in my time that I spent there. Thanks to you and him, I would not be the good father and husband I am today. I’m sorry we are unable to make it there for the funeral today. Dad is a great loss to me and I will allways remember the great love and good times he instilled in me from him. I will surely miss him until it is my time to be called to meet with dad. Love you allways mom.
DEAREST MOM, I am sorry for your loss. i am very lucky to have met mikes dad. He made me laugh alot . He was a great guy and my sincerest condolences to you and your family there. He will be missed by many, many people. Sorry we could not make it there in person.
May his soul rest in eternal happiness.
Love, Vanna Khemvisai-Zylstra.