Obituary for Chester Jerry Bearden

Chester Jerry Bearden, 86, of Toledo, Iowa, passed away on December 11, 2024 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama, Iowa. Visitation will be held at 10:00AM followed by a Service at 11:00AM led by Pastor Warren Riley.

Chester was born on August 6, 1938, in Tama, Iowa, the son of William Jesse and Violet Fern (See) Bearden. He was the fourth of seven sons.

Chester graduated from Tama High School in 1956. On August 10, 1958, Chester married Elizabeth Jane Taylor of Toledo at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama.

He worked briefly at the Tama Paper Mill, following the path of many relatives. After attending school and completing an apprenticeship, Chester became a jeweler and watchmaker. He purchased Carter’s Jewelry in Toledo where he became an active member of the Toledo Chamber of Commerce. Chester’s Family treasures hearing the stories of couples purchasing engagement rings, special Christmas purchases, and jewelry and clock repairs.

Chester entered the world of insurance when he became an agent for Farm Bureau Financial Services in Toledo. Years later he opened his own agency, Bearden Insurance, where he wrote policies for multiple companies. He specialized in finding the right company fit for his clients.

Eventually Chester became a cage cashier at Meskwaki Bingo and Casino where he worked for nearly ten years. He loved the opportunity to interact with the public and his coworkers. His positive impact on their lives has been shared frequently with Chester’s Family.

Chester had a unique talent of fixing clocks. He opened Bearden’s Clock Repair from his home. He tackled everything from mantle clocks, grandfather and grandmother clocks, to the Tama County Courthouse Clock. His ability to return a clock to working condition brought joy, nostalgia, and peace to many.

Chester was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tama having started as a member of the Luther League as a teen. He served many terms on the congregational council, often acting as President. He sang in the choir with many family members. His time spent as a high school Sunday School teacher was very influential on the youth. His family cherishes hearing the stories from his former students.

Chester was a proud 22 year Cancer Survivor. He helped plan, organize, and execute many Relay For Life Events in Tama County where he shared his experiences and encouraged others to fight the terrible disease. He embraced his role as a survivor and inspired others by sharing his wisdom.

Chester loved to travel and visited locations such as Missouri, South Dakota, Hawaii, London, Monaco, Canada, and Las Vegas. He was a proud member of the Toledo-Tama Noon Kiwanis Club where he participated in many service projects for the community.

Chester always had a kind word and a hug for anyone he met. He loved people. All people. He loved a good cup of coffee and the conversation that accompanied it.

Chester loved to hunt and fish with his friends Bill Gary and Kenny Custer, as well as his brothers. He served on the City of Toledo Zoning Commission for many years. He also loved working the election polls which gave him a chance to interact with the public. 

Chester is survived by Elizabeth, his wife of 66 years, Daughter Karen (Rod) See of Reinbeck, Son Steven Chester Bearden of Toledo, Granddaughter Katie (Trent) Mennenga of Wellsburg, Grandson Cody (Jenny) See of Iowa City, and Great Grandchildren Teagan, Blake, Charlotte, and Allison Mennenga of Wellsburg. In addition, Chester is survived by his brothers, Charles, Fritz (Mila), Clifford (Joyce), and Clyde (Merna) Bearden, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William Cecil Bearden and Carl Bearden; and sisters-in-laws, Bettie Bearden, Elva Bearden, and Mary Lynne Bearden.