Chester A. Hiestand Jr., 88, of South Chicago Heights, Illinois, passed away on August 6, 2026. Born March 23, 1938, Chester will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who were blessed to know him.
Chester served in the United States Navy and was stationed on the USS FDR Aircraft Carrier. His years of service reflected a steady devotion and a hard-working spirit that carried through every season of his life. A longtime parishioner of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chester lived his faith with quiet consistency, offering kindness in the ways that matter most—through presence, care, and a generous heart. Chester found genuine joy in woodworking, tending to his yard and garden, and—above all—spending time with his family. In these simple, faithful routines, his kind-hearted nature shone brightly, and his legacy of love and devotion took root in the lives of those closest to him.
Chester was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Mary Hiestand; his wife, Dina Hiestand; his daughter, Christa Tomczak; and his brother, Ivan Hiestand.
Chester is survived by his children: Cathy (Tim) McMullins, Carol (Kevin) Pagoria, Scott (Michelle) Hiestand and Cheryl (Tom) Fluharty; grandchildren: Adam Pagoria, Jenna McMullins, Allison Mitchell, Emma Hiestand, Zackary McMullins, Emily Tomczak, Madison Sienko, Ethan Tomczak, Avery Fluharty and Rylin Fluharty; great grandchildren: Nova Pagoria, Monroe Mitchell, Collins Mitchell; and siblings: Dave Hiestand, Marilyn Brown, Terry Hiestand and Kevin Hiestand.
Chester was a beloved, devoted, and hard-working man—a loving father and grandfather who will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held at Skyline Funeral Home, 24800 South Governors Highway, Monee, IL 60449, on August 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Chapel Service will follow at Skyline Funeral Home on August 11, 2026, at 12:00 pm. Interment to follow at Skyline Memorial Park Cemetery.
