Chester M. (Chet) Hollister, 81

Chet (Chester) M. Hollister, 81, of Woodstock, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023.

He was born on May 25, 1941, to the late Chester M. (Dorothy) Hollister in Woodstock. He married Nancy Kazich on July 15, 1967. Chet worked as an earth science teacher at Algonquin Middle School, District 300 for 34 years. Prior to that he served in the U.S. Army for three years, most recently as a signal core instructor where he earned the National Defense Service Medal and Sharpshooter (Rifle) designations. He attended Woodstock Community High School where he participated in many plays and theatrical productions. He achieved his Bachelor of Arts in English and his Masters in Education from Northern Illinois University. Chet was also active in the theater as a member of the Woodstock Fine Arts Association, where he met his wife.

He had a great love for life and collected many, many things, including transportation memorabilia, antique furniture, radio equipment, art and photography, trains, and tattoos, just to name a few. He loved cars and had several, including anniversary edition mustangs and 1950s’ Chryslers. He spent the later years of his life driving for an auto parts store and doing car transports for the Ford dealership. He loved to drive and saw many miles of the country through a windshield.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Dorothy Hollister; brother, Bruce Hollister; sister-in-law, Marilyn Hollister; and his wife, Nancy (Kazich) Hollister. He is survived by his son, Chris (Kathryn) Hollister; his nieces, Sue Hollister and Diane Hollister; and nephew, Steve Hollister.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb.2, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m., with services following at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock. Interment to take place following the service at Oakland Cemetery, Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School for Lakota (Sioux)children and families at stjo.org.