Chester "Chet" J Adams

Chester J “Chet” Adams, 87

Longtime resident Chet Adams, passed Friday, June 30, 2017 at McLaren Northern Michigan. 

Chet was born in Petoskey on December 30, 1929 to Chester and Birdie (Hewlett) Adams; he grew up in Petoskey and was a graduate of Petoskey High School, Class of 1948.  In July of 1951 Chet enlisted in the United States Navy and served as an Aviation Electrician Technician 2nd Class, he was stationed primarily at U.S. Naval Air Station Key West, and was honorably discharged in July of 1955.  For a short time after his discharge, Chet stayed on as a civilian employee with the U.S. Navy until returning to Petoskey in 1957.

Once returning to Petoskey, Chet became a Journeyman Electrician and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 692.  In 1964, he met the love of his life, Elsie Burnett, the two were married on June 12, 1965.  For more than a decade Chet traveled the country, working on many building projects often times accompanied by Elsie.  In 1973 Chet was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and it became evident that Chet may need to look at a new career.  He went back to school and earned a BS of Accounting from Lake Superior State.  He was hired by Midwest International in Charlevoix, becoming first, the Plant Manager and eventually the Vice President of Operations.  Chet retired in 1992 and within a few years moved with Elsie to Maui.  Chet and Elsie eventually returned to Petoskey where they have remained. 

Chet loved the water, fishing and boating were always favorite pastimes.  He also enjoyed dancing, travel and was a voracious reader. 

Chet’s family includes his loving wife Elsie, his niece Cheryl (Kyle) Oberndorfer and his nephew Todd (Sandra) Groner-Kopriva, grand niece and nephews BJ, Devin and Karlee, and his best buddy and faithful k-9 companion Charlie.  He was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Richard and Ella Mae. 

Chet’s family plan to remember him privately.  Those wishing to honor his memory with a charitable contribution may wish to consider Shriner’s Hospital for Children, www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donate

Friends and family are also welcome to share memories and condolences online at www.stonefuneralhome.com

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