Ira W. (Pete) Chesley, 95, of North Platte, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus April 14, 2018, surrounded by his family. Pete was born February 18, 1923 to Clarence & Maggie (Whipple) Chesley in the “Wild Horse Flats” area of Logan County as the 5th of 7 children. He grew up in the Sandhills and Arnold area along with his siblings. Pete served in the European Theatre of WWII, serving his country with the Army 9th Armored Division. After spending a year after the war in Germany, he returned to Nebraska in May 1946; Pete attended barber college in Denver with his brother Everett later that same year. Pete was united in marriage to Lorraine Olson, June 12, 1948 in North Platte. The couple was blessed with 3 children: Nick, Steve, and Pam, and resided in Arnold where they owned Pete’s Barber shop. Each of his children thought they were his favorite. In 1971, Pete and Lorraine began their next & final careers as motel owners, owning 4 across the Midwest. They retired in 1986 & returned to North Platte in 1993.
Pete was a gentle man of grace and integrity who never spoke ill of anyone; he possessed the rare quality of being a good listener and when he spoke, his words were concentrated and rich. Pete was civic minded and was always ready to help his community and his fellow man, he treated everyone fairly and kindly. He was always quick to compliment, slow to anger, and ready to forgive.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Vera and Madeline, brothers, Everett, Albert, Bill, and Darrol, and bonus sons, Alan F. Hall, Jr. and Walter Hall and bonus grandchild JP Hall. Pete lovingly leaves behind his wife Lorraine, children, Nick of Phoenix, AZ, Steve (Cindy) of North Platte, Pam (John) Lee of North Platte, grandchildren Dustin (Noelle), Amber, Emma, Hannah, three great grandchildren, bonus children Herb (Lori) Hall and their families.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. The casket will be closed. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday April 19, 2018 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.