Chester (Chet) Gniadek, 100, of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025. He was born on August 31, 1924, in Chicago, IL, to Polish immigrants Joseph Gniadek and Mary (née Kolodiejz).

Chester grew up in Chicago and attended Harrison High School. He went to work for Automatic Electric before joining the U.S. Army where he served during World War II (Battle of the Bulge). After the war Chet rejoined Automatic Electric travelling the country as a telephone exchange installer. In 1952, he met the love of his life, Katherine Walker, on a blind date. They were married in 1954 at the First Methodist Church in Mound City, Illinois. For the next ten years they traveled together throughout the United States.

The family moved to Stickney, Illinois in 1963. In 1983 Chester retired after 42  years in the telecommunication industry. Chester and Katherine moved to Wheaton, Illinois in 2000.

In his free time, Chester liked to swim and dance. He also enjoyed playing BINGO.

Chester is survived by his sons, Joseph Edward and Patrick (Misty) Walker, and grandchildren, Megan Elizabeth, Jeffery Remington, and Brett Walker.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with family sharing at 12 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to DuPage PADS or to a charity of your choice.

Interment will be in the Becker/Walker Family Plot, Woodlawn Cemetery, in Campbell, Missouri.