Chester A. Cripe, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Wheaton, Illinois, on May 19, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on November 4, 1934, in Goshen, Indiana, Chet lived a full and meaningful life surrounded by family, friends, and cherished memories.

Chet proudly served in the United States Navy for eight years before embarking on a long and successful career. He attended Goshen College and graduated with an accounting degree. He dedicated 36 years to Johnson Controls and later served the Village of Arlington Heights for 10 years. Known for his strong work ethic and quiet dedication, Chet left a lasting impression on his colleagues and community.

On June 6, 1954, Chet married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Yoder. Together, they built a beautiful life in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, raising five children and sharing 50 years of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion until Barbara's passing. Ten years later, Chet married a longtime friend, Joan (Touchette) Cripe, whose time with him was brief but meaningful before her untimely passing. In the years that followed, Chet was blessed to find companionship and love once more, and is survived by his devoted wife of 10 years, Nancy (Farah) Cripe.

A man of many interests, Chet enjoyed bowling, gardening, reading, playing cards and traveling. He was a lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, faithfully cheering on his teams through every season. Summers spent at the family cottage on Baldwin Lake in Michigan were among his most treasured times, especially his yearly perch fishing trips and morel mushroom hunting adventures with friends. Chet also had a soft spot for dachshunds; over the 50 years he had four of these beloved dogs, each was named Erich Von Cripe.

Chet is survived by his loving children: Shelley (Dominick) DeNava, Cynthia (Robert) Moore, David (Julie) Cripe, Stephanie Meyer, and Stephen (Anne) Cripe. He was the proud grandfather of Jenny (Paul) Cerpa, Jamie Moore, Sarah (Preston) Jacob, Joseph Moore, Dominick Jr. (Carianne) DeNava, Emma Cripe, Kevin Cripe, Kelly (Christian) Loresch, Samuel Cripe, and Lexi Meyer. His legacy lives on through his great-grandchildren: Jacob, Parker, Emmy, McKenzie, and Benjamin.

He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife of 50 years, Barbara (Yoder) Cripe; his second wife of one year, Joan (Touchette) Cripe; his son-in-law David Meyer; his grandson Stephen Moore; and great-granddaughter Madelyn Cerpa.

Chet will be fondly remembered for his warmth, quick wit, deep love for his family, and his remarkable ability to listen with genuine care. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and enduring love.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House in Chet's memory.