Chester "Chet" I. Gillis, age 92, of Creston died on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at the Franklin Grove Nursing Center. He was born on August 4, 1918 in Rural Creston at their family home, the son of William Irvin and Myrtle Mae Petry Gillis. He graduated from R.T.H.S. in 1937 then served in the European Theater during WWII as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, 787th Field Artillery Battalion. Married Mary L. Vesta on October 29, 1949 at St. John's Lutheran in Creston, she preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brother: Donald.

Prior to retiring Chet worked for Standard Oil Home Delivery and then N.I.U. in DeKalb in Central Receiving.

Memberships include: St. John's Lutheran Church Creston IL, past Member of Creston Booster Club, Creston Park Board, Creston Village Board, Woodlawn Cemetery Association, was a life member of V.F.W. Post 3878, Lee American Legion Post 1253, and the 40/8 Voiture 207 of DeKalb, IL .

Survivors include his 2 sons: Mark Gillis of Rochelle and Steve (Pam) Gillis of Crystal Lake, IL;
daughter : Mary Jo (Marvin) Metzger of Rochelle
7 grandchildren: Stephanie Gillis, Jennifer (Matt) VanOstrand, David (Dawn) Gillis, Danelle (Daniel) Riederer, Nora (Justin) Brooks, Gabriel Metzger, Austin Gillis, and Great Grandson Matthew Gillis; Sister: Lois Turkington and sister-in-law: Martha Gillis.

Visitation will be from 5 - 7 PM on Friday at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Creston with the Rev. Ron Larson officiating.

Burial at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Creston with Military Services provided by the V.F.W Post 3878.
Memorial to St. John's Lutheran Church, Creston.