Chester Danielson

Chester Harold "Chet" Danielson, age 87, a lifelong resident of Fairfield passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at his home.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 22, 2013 at First United Methodist Church. Burial with military rites will be at Unionville Cemetery, Unionville, MO.

Visitation for family and friends will be 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sunday, July 21, 2013 at Behner Funeral Home. There will be a Masonic Service by Clinton Lodge #16 at 7:00 pm.

In Lieu of flowers memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, Parkinson Disease, Hospice Compassus or Danielson Motor Co. Scholarship fund. Cards and memorials can be mailed to 605 S Highland Street, Fairfield, IA 52556

Chet was born Jan 4, 1926 to Frank R and Martha (Bauer) Danielson. He graduated in 1943 from Fairfield High School and Iowa State College in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He served in the United States Air Force Reserves until Dec 1948.

Chet married Shirley Lewellen in Cedar Rapids, IA in 1950. They later divorced. Four children were born to this union: Ronald, Janet, Barbara and Steven. He married Lorene Webb in Unionville, MO in 1977 at the First United Methodist Church.  He then became the father of Lorene's three daughters: Lexie, Melody and Tiffani.

Chet and his brother Charlie were co-owners of Danielson Motor Company where they sold Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge Automobiles.  He enjoyed the car business and his association with people. He served on various boards and was a Director of AAA Motor Club of Iowa for 39 years. Director of Iowa Automobile Dealers Association, Director of Chrysler Plymouth Advertising Association for 21 years serving as President twice, Secretary of Chrysler Plymouth Dealer Council, President CEO of Streater Products Corporation from 1955 to 1982. Some of his longtime friends admit they never saw him without a coat and tie while in business. After retiring he helped those he could with his advice and good works and never expected praise in return. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and overseas and went on 14 Cruises.

Chet was a member of First United Methodist Church, Usher for many years and Lay Leader Committee, Life member of Elks, American Legion, Masonic Lodge AMFM, Consistory 32 degrees, Kaaba Shrine, Secretary Treasure of Midwest Warehouse Distributors, Founding Director of Hawkeye Credit Life Insurance Co, Past City Council member, Trustee of Fairfield Water Works, Past President of Jaycees, Past President of Chamber of Commerce, Man of the Year 1964, President and Chamber of Fairfield Community Fund, Member of Lions Club, Fairfield Country Club, Walton Club and Abracadabra.

Chet is survived by his wife: Lorene Danielson of Fairfield; four children: Ronald (Marsha) Danielson of Terre Haute, IN, Janet (Patrick) Coogan of Bettendorf, IA, Barbara (Matt) Hays of Zionsville, IN., Steve (Lori) Danielson of Terre Haute, IN; Stepchildren: Alexis (Ron) Lewis of St Joseph, MO, Melody Cackin of Omona, NE and Tiffani (Josh) Grove of Ottumwa, IA. Tiffani was raised by him as her father died before her birth. 17 Grand Children, 7 Great Grandchildren, One sister: Dorothy (Stan) Truhlson of Omaha, NE, one brother: Charles (Connie) Danielson of Bella Vista, AR.

Chet was preceded in death by his father, mother and sister: Ruth Schoner.