Chester Arvid Morvig, 98, Fertile, MN, passed away peacefully at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, MN, on Friday afternoon, April 22, 2016, with his family by his side.

Chester was born on March 21, 1918, to Alfred and Mabel (Johnson) Morvig in Crookston, MN. He grew up on the family's rural Fertile, MN, farm and was baptized at Little Norway and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. He attended country school and passed the eighth grade State Geography Exam while he was still in the sixth grade. When he reached the eighth grade, he had to quit school to help support his family on the farm. According to him, this sparked disagreement among the football team since he "was a nasty guy to hold back."

For the next ten years he worked for others as a hired man for thirty dollars a month. At the age of 24 he enlisted in the US Navy and was a Baker Third Class in the Navy aboard the USS Lyon (AP 71) during World War II, 1942 to 1945. His assigned battle station aboard ship was to tend the lines for the small boats that took the troops into the beach. He loved to tell about all the countries he traveled to: North Africa, (Sicily) Italy, France, Scotland, British Isles, Okinawa, Philippines and Australia. Some stories would make people laugh, some cry, but never let you forget the endearing personality of Chester Morvig.

On October 5, 1946, Chester was united in marriage to Betty Lou Avelsgaard by Pastor G.W. Tolo in Fertile, MN. They were blessed with five children. He retired from farming in 1981, raising small grains, hay, corn, dairy cattle, hogs, and chickens. He was a hard worker dedicated to supporting his family. In addition to farming, he often drove truck, operated construction equipment, and worked other odd jobs.

Chester was devoted to God and his family. He was a great handyman; always willing and ready to lend a helping hand if any family member asked. Among his favorite hymns were "Saved by Grace," "Living for Jesus," and "Old Rugged Cross." In his later years, as Alzheimer's took its toll, he often entertained everyone with his own rendition of "Good Ship Lollipop," and "Show Me the Way to Go Home."

Chester is survived by his wife, Betty, Fertile, MN; children, Sandra (Donald) Andersen, Fargo, ND; David (Sherry) Morvig, Mentor, MN; LaVonne (Michael) Dale, Buxton, ND; Donald (Kari) Morvig, Fertile, MN; and Sylvia (Raymond) Nelson, Fertile, MN; and 11 grandchildren – Jeffrey Andersen, Lisa (Chris Tadych) Morvig, Sarah Ranz, Michelle Dale, Melissa (Jesse) Bohara, Jennifer Dale, Stacey (Trent) Oftedahl, Travis Morvig, Kiah Morvig, Jessica (Ryan) Eberhardt and Ryan Nelson, and 9 great-grandchildren – Brandon Tadych, Samantha Tadych, Isaac Ranz, Abigail Ranz, Jevan Dale, AJ Johnson, Levi Oftedahl, Logan Eberhardt and Zachary Eberhardt; plus many cousins, nieces and nephews. Chester is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mabel Morvig; brother, Obert Morvig; and niece, LouAnn Skrei.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Chester Arvid Morvig will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 28, 2016, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the memorial service on Thursday.

Burial will be at a later date in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN. Military Honors will also be provided.