Obituary of Chester W. Nirva

Chester W. “Chet” Nirva Age 85, died Sunday, December 22, 2013 at his home in Withee with his wife at his bedside. A funeral service will be held at 1PM on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Greenwood. Pastor Asafa Rajaofera will officiate. Committal services will be held privately at a later date. The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday at the church from 11:30AM until time of services. Military honors conducted by the Owen American Legion Post 123 will follow the services at the church. Chet was born May 25, 1928 in the township of Colby in Clark County to William and Leona (nee Lindner) Nirva. He attended Elmwood Grade School in the township of Green Grove and graduated from Loyal High School in 1946. He volunteered for the draft and was the last draftee taken from Clark County for World War II. He had armored infantry basic training and was stationed in occupied Japan. He was later placed in the Fourth Platoon as a light machine gunner and was later made a platoon runner. PFC Nirva was honorably discharged in 1947. On December 3, 1949 Chet married Marie Hium. She survives. Chet was a farm implement mechanic for 16 years with specific expertise in John Deere tractors, a machinist for two years, and a heavy duty diesel truck mechanic for 26 years. He attended many service schools, advanced welding and machine shops. Chet belonged to the American Legion Post 123 in Owen, was a member and past board member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Greenwood, a past officer and member of the Square Dance Club and the past mayor of the Village of Withee. He enjoyed working on antique John Deere tractors and collecting and rebuilding small old gas engines. Chet also enjoyed sledding in the winter with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was especially fond of cats. Survivors include his wife Marie Nirva of Withee; his children: Gail (Tom) Heiting of Janesville, Amber (Dave) Wolover of Cambridge and Terry (Anna) Nirva of LaCrosse; three grandchildren: Laura (chris) Bosley, Brian (Jenefer) Kind and DJ (Tifany) Wolover; two great grandchildren along with other relatives, comrades and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Arrangements are entrusted to Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Service-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.