Chester Lee, 93, of Watford City, ND, passed away on September 16, 2022 having lived in McKenzie County for over six decades.

Chester was born February 23rd, 1929, to Bertha and John Lee of Norma, ND, with 12 siblings on a small farm outside of town. Chester stayed on at the homestead to help his family with the many chores required to run a farm. After a few years on the farm, he was drafted to the army as a mechanic and completed 2 years of service near Seattle, WA. Chester then worked as a roustabout for Oilfield Services near Tioga when he met Shirley (Staehnke) Lee at a diner. Walter and Edna Staenke along with Shirley had traveled to Tioga from their home in Havana ND for the summer. While Walter sought work in the oilfield, Edna cooked, and Shirley waited tables. Some say it was grandma’s cooking that brought them together. Shirley and Chester wed in 1956, going on to have three children, Michael, Scott, and Mark. They began life together in Keene, later moving to Johnsons Corner and North Camp before finally settling into their current residence in Watford City in 1970. Chester worked at Amerada Hess for more than twenty-two years and after leaving the oilfield, gave retirement a try but it was not to his liking. He began working at McKenzie County Hospital and after several years, retired full time.

A lifelong sportsman, Chester became somewhat of a local fishing legend in retirement, spending innumerable hours on Lake Sakakawea stalking his favorite meal, walleye. Ever the conversationalist, Chester loved to visit and learn from others. He was always curious and enjoyed nothing more than reading newspapers while drinking a cup of coffee or sitting on his deck catching up with friends and neighbors. In fact, you would seldom find him without coffee in his hand. With all his boys living in Colorado, visiting his family, and spoiling his grandchildren was a priority, often staying in Colorado during the winter months. However, when February came around, a lutefisk dinner at the church in Williston beckoned him home.

Chester is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley; his sister, Sandra, his 3 children, and his six grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.