Dennis Chidester

April 20, 1946 - August 1, 2011

Denny Chidester age 65 passed away August 1, 2011 and Carolyn (nee Ciska) Chidester age 62 passed away July 31, 2011 from injuries sustained from a home explosion at their cabin in Wisconsin.  Denny and Carolyn were both born in Albia, Iowa. They were childhood sweethearts, both graduating for Albia (Blue Demons) High School, Denny in 1964 and Carolyn in 1967. Denny was drafted into the Army.  He fulfilled his duties going for training in Ft. Hood Washington, served in Vietnam and finishing his tour in Colorado.  Following his return he was united in marriage to Carolyn in 1968. The newlyweds set out on their new life together in Batavia, Illinois.  Soon a daughter Jennifer was born to enhance their lives and then a son Jeffrey to make their life complete.  As a family they shared many fun times together.  Mom and Dad never missed a school program, soccer game, baseball game or Scouts.  Carolyn was Batavia’s first woman Cub Master, Denny was also very active in Scouts pack 112.  Denny and Carolyn enjoyed volunteering their time. Denny coached Batavia Youth Baseball.  Carolyn gave blood when she could and became a 100 gallon club member.  They were both active in the Batavia VFW. Although they have lived in Batavia for 43 years, they still have ties in Albia their hometown; they visited family and friends whenever possible, and kept in touch by subscribing to the local Albia newspaper. They both loved the outdoors, sporting events and family.  Family was top priority.  Jenny and her husband Bob have three children Jamesian, Jaroleen and Jacey Roesch.  Jeff and his wife Nichole have three children Drake Zollers, Carley and Sydney Chidester.  Denny and Carolyn were ever so grateful to be parents and grandparents.  Denny visited school shared his Army days at grandparents’ day and Carolyn shared her life experiences on grandparents’ day.  They bought a new home for the family to fill with new memories.  They designed and built a deck, pool and the landscaping was impeccable.  Many happy traditions were shared at their residence; the Easter egg hunts, the wonderful Christmas’, pool parties, birthday parties and Barbeques.  Denny was known for making the best margaritas and Carolyn for her special shopping trips with beloved granddaughters. Denny and Carolyn loved the outdoors.  Together they saved their money and fulfilled their dream of a cabin by Castle Rock in Wisconsin which they have now had for thirteen years.  Denny’s passion was fishing he had taught his grandchildren to fish and would never miss a moment to get up to the cabin in Wisconsin.  Denny just recently took up bow hunting and snowshoeing and really enjoyed it.  They fixed the cabin up to be a comfortable second home.  They took the kids and grandkids whenever possible to fish, swim, boat all summer long and in the winter drove the truck out on the frozen lake dragging a tube with kids behind, ice fishing, quad riding and sledding just plain having fun with their grandchildren.   While getting to know the locals in Wisconsin, they met a couple who ran a restaurant.  They soon became like family.  Mike and Candice and children became son and daughter to Denny and Carolyn, they never missed sending birthday cards and sent their love and friendship every chance they got.  Carolyn and Denny were loyal Iowa Hawkeye fans, White Sox fans and their beloved Bears.  Denny worked in construction for years and as a foreman at Caterpillar in Aurora, IL prior to retirement.  Carolyn also recently retired from AT&T formerly Western Electric.  Family and friends were always welcomed with open arms at the Chidester home.  There was nothing Denny and Carolyn wouldn’t do for their neighbors, and they never asked for anything in return.  Denny and Carolyn are survived by their daughter, Jennifer (Bob Roesch) Chidester and their children Jamesian, Jaroleen and Jacey; a son Jeff (Nichole Vosburgh) Chidester and their children Drake Zollers, Carley and Sydney Chidester, all of Batavia; two uncles and aunts Delbert (Bettie) Chidester of Batavia and Albert (Pat) Chidester of Evansdale, Iowa; Denny is also survived by a brother Jerry Chidester of Lavilia, IA two sisters Judy (John) Lundstrom of Albia, IA, Janice (Kevin) Monroe of Elkader, IA; Carolyn is also survived by two sisters Julie (Blaine) Carter, and May Ciska-Moffatt both of Albia, Iowa, a brother James (Linda) Ciska of Mineral VA, and a sister-in-law Susan Ciska of Mission Viego, CA; an aunt Carol Levis of West Des Moines, IA, many nieces, nephews and over one hundred cousins.  Terry Bradley, Debbie White and many dear friends.  Denny is preceded in death by his father James A. Chidester and his mother Lois Jean Majors Chidester; Carolyn is preceded in death by her mother Judy Garrington Ciska her father Martin F. ( Opie) Ciska and two brothers Joseph J. and Steven J. Ciska; along with their beloved cats Carmel and Tarzan.  A memorial service will be held at 4:00 P.M. Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Moss Family Funeral Home 209 South Batavia Ave. Batavia, IL.  There will be visitation from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be directed to the Family of Denny and Carolyn Chidester, a college education fund will be established for the benefit of their grandchildren. For additional information contact Moss Family Funeral Home 630-879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com