Lester Mcchesney

Madison - Lester F. McChesney passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by family on Sunday, March 23, 2014.

He was born in Dane, Wisconsin on December 6, 1928 to Frederick and Palma McChesney. Lester graduated from Lodi High School where he excelled in basketball, football, baseball, choir, and music.

By his early twenties Les was an accomplished musician and was sought out after by several national bands to tour with them. Rather than tour he chose to remain locally and was extremely actively locally. He joined the American Federation of Musicians local 166 in 1947 and remained a member throughout his life.

Lester was drafted in 1950, sent to Korea and served as a Corporal with Co K, 160th Infantry Regiment, 40th Division U.S. Army stationed in the Kumsong-Chwapae-ri region. Lester was honorably discharged from active duty November 13, 1952.

In the summer of 1957 he met his beloved Nancee and they married in Madison on March, 29 1958. They were married 55 years until her death on September 22, 2013. Together they raised three children; son, Cleven (Staci), children Molly and Charlie; daughter, Carol (Rich); and son, Collin (Kristen), son Tyler.

Les' passion for music endured throughout his life. He started the Les McChesney Band in the 1940's, joined the Zor Shrine where he played with the Sextet, the Concert Band, and formed and Directed the Noblemen, a twenty-two piece dance band. The Noblemen traveled and performed throughout the Midwest for decades playing big band and contemporary dance tunes. After retirement he co-founded and directed the Retro Swing Band and enjoyed performing with them for years.

Les had a successful career in the Electrical Engineering Consulting Industry. After working as an electrical tradesman he joined Mechanical Design in Madison and concluded his career as a Professional Engineer with the State of Wisconsin, Division of Facilities Development. He served in that capacity for 25 years retiring in 1994.

Lester was a member of the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers, Illuminating Engineer Society, Dane American Legion Post #503, Grand Lodge, F & AM of Wisconsin, Lodi Valley Lodge #99, Zor Shrine - Madison, Madison Scottish Rite, Post VFW 8216.

Along with his wife Nancee, Les enjoyed golfing, fishing, travelling, the theater and of course they shared and love music.

Lester is survived by his children, brother Gordy (Jan), and sister Marion (Albert). He was proceded in death by his brother, Robert; father, Frederick; mother, Palma; and beloved wife, Nancee.

A funeral service will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Advent Lutheran Church, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 12 Noon on Thursday at church.

So Long for Now...as played by the Noblemen.