Ferdinand "Ferdl" Aster

Ferdinand “Ferdl” Aster, of Chesterland, died January 19, 2016 in residence at Joy’s Place. Ferdinand was born in August 1931 in Wagrain, Austria. He had been a resident of Chesterland since 1963, when he married and moved from North Madison, OH. He trained as a cabinetmaker in Austria and toured with the United States Special Services during World War II. In 1955 he came to the U.S. as the technical director at Rabbit Run Theater in North Madison, OH. Known as Ferdl when he was certified as a ski instructor in Europe and with the United States Ski Association, Eastern Division, and he taught at Camp Mystic in PA during the 1950s. Ferdl began instructing at Mont Chalet Ski Area in Chesterland when it opened for the 1961/62 ski season. The Ferdl Aster Ski School was then incorporated and was the first ski school at the Brandywine Ski Area when that area opened. Ferdl held many trophies as an Alpine and Cross Country ski racer in America and Europe. For twenty years he guided spring ski trips through his Ferdl Aster Ski School and Ski Shop. It was at this time he introduced many people to skiing in the Austrian Alps. As Ferdinand, he owned Ferdinand Aster Cabinet Shop where he worked during the summers. His work has been voted the Best in the Show at the Cleveland Museum of Art May Show. It was there that his work was featured on the cover of the May Show Program. He did wood working for many special pieces at client’s requests, as well as pieces for The Western Reserve Historical Museum, The ASM World Center at the Geodesic Dome, The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Symphony, etc. Survivors are his wife Ruth, son Chris (Bette), son-in-law Keith Wilt, and grandchildren Shannon Wilt, Morgan Wilt, Chloe Aster, and Kyle Aster. Mr. Aster was preceded in death by his daughter Anneliese “Lee” Aster Wilt, his siblings and parents. Family will receive friends 12 to 4 pm, Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chester Twp. A Celebration Reception will begin at 5 pm, Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Chardon VFW Post 6519, 752 Water St., Chardon. Private burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ferdl's name may be made to the Chesterland Historical Foundation, P.O. Box 513, Chesterland, OH 44026.