Chester Ray Hart

Chester Ray Hart was born May 17, 1946 in Marion, Indiana to Harry & Margaret (Bennett) Hart.  He was the youngest of 6 siblings.  Chet passed away on September 21, 2021 in Hastings, Nebraska.

Chet attended school in Meier, Indiana, graduating from Oak Hill High School in 1965.  He served in the Air Force in Texas, Hawaii and was an Aircraft Mechanic with the 616th Military Airlift Support Squadron, Republic of Vietnam from June 4, 1968 to June 3, 1969.  Chet received the “Air Force Commendation Medal” for his service in Vietnam.  After his Honorable Discharge he attended school in Omaha, getting his degree in refrigeration.  On February 6, 1971 he married Peggy Hermanson in Meier, Indiana.  They resided in Converse, Indiana until August 1972 when they moved to Minden, Nebraska where Chet worked for Lennox & Nebraska State Department of Roads.  In 1981 they moved to Campbell, Nebraska where they joined the family business, Hermanson Plumbing & Electric until its closing.  He worked maintenance at Grandview Manor until his retirement.  He enjoyed being with the residents, the highlight of his time at Grandview was taking a resident (originally from Vietnam) to become a United States Citizen.

He taught gun safety for many years while a Jaycee, was a member of the Campbell Chamber of Commerce, Campbell Fire Department, Willie Fierstein American Legion Post #169, Westminster United Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder, was in the Choir, Youth Director and Maintenance.  His favorite pastime was watching NASCAR & fishing.  In 2019 he fulfilled one of his dreams of fishing in Alaska and catching his first halibut & salmon, he was a very “happy camper”!  April 1, 1984, they purchased the first of their 3 hot air balloons.  Chet became a Commercial Pilot and enjoyed the many years flying “dawn patrol” at Albuquerque Fiesta but the most enjoyment was from floating over home and flying his many passengers and all the fun flying with the “Nebraska Outhaus Club”!

Chet was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother & sister, Harry & Mary Hart; great-nephew Tyler Bennett; mother & father-in-law, Ilene & Maurice Hermanson; sister-in-law, Nancy Hermanson and niece, Roxanne “Punkin” Sammons.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy, of Campbell, NE; brother, Paul (Jane) Bennett; twin sisters, Stella Holcomb & Della Hart all of Converse, Indiana; brother-in-law, Lloyd Hermanson of Lincoln, NE; nephews, Justin Hermanson & friend Julie Bellis; Derrick (Crystal) Hermanson; Bill (Tammy) Sammons & Paul Sammons; nieces, Christy (Doug) Gutzmer, Shawna West, Kim Bennett, Angie Laypoole, Stephanie Holcomb & Rachel Neiman; great-nephews, Evan Hermanson, Brody Charles Hermanson, Michael (Bailey) Gutzmer, Jacob West, Matt (Lacey) Sammons & Bryan (Nicci) Sammons; great nieces, Berkley Hermanson, Deidra Merritt, Kimmi West, Tiffany Sammons, twins, Katelyn & Kirsten Laypoole; great-great nieces & nephews, Brody & Easton Merritt, Sawyer & Camden Gutzmer, Blake Sammons, Brynlee & Cason Sammons & Calliope West; close friend, Gary Derr and many cousins & friends.  Chet had a very “special connection” with all of his nieces & nephews and loved each on of them so much.

AND NOW HE WOULD SAY:  DON’T MOURN FOR ME, I’VE “GONE FISHING”!

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