Chester W. Alheim

Chester W. "Chet" Alheim, 89, of Goshen, died Monday, May 16, 2011, at IU Health Goshen Hospital. He was born October 24, 1921, in Albion to the late Chester Boyd and Laura (Pendroy) Alheim. He moved to Goshen in 1924 and resided with R. E. McConnell on S. Eighth Street. On May 25, 1946 he married Phyllis Suzanne (Ulery) Xanders in Goshen. She died in December 1991. Surviving are children, William S. Alheim of Goshen, Suzanne (Chris) Sears of Elkhart, and Jerome "Jerry" (Marcia) Xanders of Syracuse; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a sister, Virginia Smith of Goshen. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffrey David Alheim; a sister, Betty Smith; a brother, Max Adam Alheim; and a granddaughter, Christine Suzanne Xanders. A 1939 graduate of Goshen High School he went to work for Goshen News until joining the U. S. Army on August 6,1942. He served in Europe 1944-45 with the 379th infantry, 95th division in Gen. George S. Patton's 3rd army that drove through France. He was discharged as a 1st Sergeant November 18, 1945. He had worked as a meat cutter at Wilson Grocery and W. W. Wilts Grocery and retired in 1986. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, American Legion #30, and a life member of VFW Post 985 where he served in the honor guard. Family and friends will meet at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home at 12:45 pm Friday, May 20, 2011, to go in procession to Violett Cemetery for a graveside service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Alan Griffin officiating. Members of the DAV, VFW and American Legion will be in charge of military honors. Memorials contributions may be made to the Goshen VFW.