Chester "Chet" L. Axthlem

Chester L. “Chet” Axthlem, 97, of Sioux City, died Monday, Dec. 25, 2017, at a Sioux City hospital.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Sioux City. A visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28 at Christy-Smith Funeral Home, Morningside, with the family present from 5-7 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church.
Chester Leroy “Chet” Axthlem, the son of Charles and Erma (Bruckner) Axthlem, was born Sept. 1, 1920, in Sioux City. He graduated from East High School in 1939, and went on to attend Morningside College. Chet enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a bombardier/navigator over Germany, France and Denmark during World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946, but continued to serve with the National Guard.
On Oct. 7, 1949, Chet was united in marriage with Joyce Washburn in Sioux City. He worked at the stockyards as a cattle buyer for Swift, and continued this throughout his career with various companies until his retirement in 1986.
Chet was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, the YMCA, and the American Legion. In his spare time, Chet was a very avid golfer.
Chet is survived by his wife, Joyce of Sioux City; a son, Kip (Sue) Axthlem of Sioux City; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Teri Werner and a step-brother, Robert Peterson.