Chester R. Miller

Chester R. Chet Miller of Loveland, Colorado passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2012. Chet was born March 3, 1916 in St. Francis, Kansas to Phillip and Elizabeth Peters Miller. He attended school in Kansas and worked on the family farm until 1937 when he moved to Fort Collins. Chet worked at several ranching jobs in Colorado, and worked in the shops of the Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He also helped build the Spring Creek and Horsetooth dams which form Horsetooth Reservoir. Chet married Mamie Wardlaw in 1948. They farmed and operated a dairy in the Wellington area until 1955 when they moved to Fort Collins and Chet began doing carpentry work. He worked with Bruno Wegner Construction, and later with Al Hockett Construction Company. In 1968 Chet and Mamie moved to Tamasag Ranch in Bellvue where they were caretakers and caterers for Pat and Edna Griffin. Mamie passed away in 1980. Chet stayed on at Tamasag until 1985 when he moved back to Fort Collins. Chet continued doing small carpentry jobs and working as a "handyman". He will be fondly remembered for the high quality of his work. In 1986 Chet married Mary Swanson. They continued living in Fort Collins until 1987 when they moved to Loveland. Chet and Mary enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Arizona, Minnesota, and Oklahoma as well as many other destinations. Mary passed away in 1996. Chet was a kind gentleman who always put others first. He enjoyed his family time immensely and his quiet gentle ways will be sorely missed. Chet is survived by daughter, Kate Stieben of Fort Collins; daughter-in-law, Wilma Wardlaw of Greeley; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. He is also survived by one sister, Ruth Cuthbert of Tonasket, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews. Please make any memorial contributions to Pathways Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. A memorial service celebrating Chet's life will be held on Tuesday, May 22 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 E. Stuart in Fort Collins. A private inurnment will take place.