MELVIN “LIGHTNING” CHESTELSON

Melvin “Lightning” Chestelson, age 86, of Colfax, WI, died Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at his home in Colfax.

Melvin was born June 29, 1929 in Colfax, WI, to Olaf and Florence Chestelson. In his late teens, he and his brother, Norman “Nubs” made their way to Ely, MN where they worked in a logging camp for many years. The two brothers were inseparable and together bought a home in Colfax where they lived the rest of their lives. The community of Colfax referred to the brothers affectionately as, “Lightning” and “Thunder”. Lightning took on many jobs, but mainly worked as a “farmhand” for numerous farmers in the Colfax area. He also assisted with masonry in the area.

Lightning’s interests included gardening and harvesting and canning the yield and caring for his many parakeets. He loved to cook and his pet dogs and cats were so important to him, he made them breakfast every day. Providing them with pancakes, eggs and toast, as well as cooking up chicken for the evening meals. Lightning loved to fish and would share his catch with his neighbors and friends.

Melvin is survived by a sister, Cecelia Daniels of Chippewa Falls, WI; one nephew, Michael (Diane) Chestelson of Shakopee, MN; two nieces, Collette (Frank) Sommerfield of Neenah, WI and Colleen (Scott) Bidwell of Columbia, TN; longtime friends, Sue (Kenny) Satter, Tony Braaten, Paula Prince, Rhonda (Lee) Cook and Tammy Seehaver; and of course, his longtime companion, his dog, Bailer.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; two brothers, Otis and Norman “Nubs” Michelson.

A Time of Remembrance will take place at 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Sampson Funeral Home, Colfax, WI, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery in Colfax.

To express online condolences, please visit, obituaries at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com.