Chester Stodden

Chester Joseph Stodden, 82, of McAllister, formerly of Butte, passed away on November 30, 2007 surrounded by his family. He was born on September 30, 1925 in Butte to Cecil and Amanda (Marcille) Stodden. Chester was a Butte High School graduate. He served in the U. S. Navy during WW II as a gunner and cook on the USS Windham Bay Naval Carrier. In 1947, he married the love of his life, Jean Malia. They raised their four children and shared 53 wonderful years together until Jean#8217;s death in 2000. Chester was a partner in a successful plastering and cement finishing business for over 30 years. His work is still admired and displayed throughout Butte. He also worked for the Butte School District as an Engineer until his retirement. Many wonderful memories were made at #8220;Chester#8217;s Lake#8221; in Ennis, his frequent visits to Butte, Wise River, Billings and California. In his later years, he loved driving his #8220;cart#8221; to exercise classes at the hospital giving and receiving doses of Vitamin #8220;H#8221; (hugs). Chester was an avid fisherman, hunter and snowmobiler. His favorite pastimes were tinkering in his garage, working on his cabin and houses, and wood gathering trips. Spending time with family and friends was the focus in his life. Chester#8217;s smile and positive outlook touched not only family members, but everyone around him. His great personality and sense of humor resulted in everyone loving him, and wanting to spend time with him. not;not;not;-He would help anyone, anytime, whether it would be a stranger or friend. He had a giant's heart in a 'pint-size' package--and will be missed by many. Chester was greeted in heaven by his parents and his wife, Jean. He is missed by his brother Ted Stodden of Fremont, CA; four children, Dave (Donna) Stodden of Santa Rosa, CA, Don (Leslie) Stodden of Wise River, Dean Stodden of Wise River, and Diana (Larry) Cloninger of Bozeman; grandchildren, Brandon (Stephanie) Stodden, Dawn Stodden, Echo (Troy) Jamieson, and Kodee Cloninger; great grandsons Tyler and Nathan Stodden; great granddaughters Kadee, Taelar, Brooklynn and Torie Jamieson; sister-in-laws, Mary Laird, Lou Ann Mengon, Rose Chouinard, and Norma Daly; brother-in-laws, Joe Malia (Edith) and Dan Malia and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 5th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John#8217;s Catholic Church in Butte, MT. Memorials may be made in his name to: Hospice c/o Bozeman Deaconess Foundation, 931 Highland Blvd. Suite 3200, Bozeman, MT 59715; Our Lady of the Rockies, 3100 Harrison, Butte, MT 29507 or the charity of one#8217;s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dahlcares.com