Chester "Chet" Duffy

Chester L. Duffy, 93, crossed over the Great Divide on May 18, 2022 in Lewistown, MT. Chet was born December 17, 1928 in Lewistown to Francis and Anna (Roberts) Duffy. He grew up with seven sisters and brothers on the family ranch and attended school at Fort Maginnis, near Lewistown.



As a young adult Chet went to work a construction job for Bill Apple near the Richardson Roadhouse in Alaska. In April of 1951 Chet joined the US Air Force and served during the Korean conflict receiving an honorable discharge in 1955. He returned to Montana and attended Rocky Mountain College, worked for Consolidated Freightways, and the Montana State Fish and Game Department. While working for the state, his job required frequently relocating to Bozeman, Helena, Billings, Hardin, and Ennis. In 1971 Chet retired from the state and established a pizza business in Dillon, MT. After a few years he returned to Lewistown and got into ranching near Gilt Edge. Ranch life was everything to him even with many difficult times it presented. His remaining years were spent in Lewistown.



Chet was married to Ethelyn Koch for 25 years until her passing at the young age of 43. Together they raised three children: Russell, Deborah, and Douglas. They started their life together in Lewistown, moved with the military from Texas to Florida, relocated with other employment throughout Montana, and finally returned to their original home. Later he was married for a time to Kimberley Harrison.



In his later years Chet enjoyed traveling the world learning the history and ways of people in other countries. He visited 6 of the 7 continents and befriended so many along the way.



Chet was a member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #92, Al Bedoo Shrine, and the Eagles.



He was preceded in death by his wife Ethy, his parents, his brothers Dean, Tom, Murray, and Dave, and his sisters Betty, Dorothy, and Ruth.



Chet is survived by Russ (Delilah) Duffy, Deb (Dan) Knepper, and Doug (Janis) Duffy plus 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.



Memorials can be made to The American Cancer Society, Shriners Hospital for Children, or the charity of your choice. A private graveside with full military honors will be held at the Lewistown City Cemetery. A public memorial will be held at the Eagles Club at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Online condolences may be shared at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.