Chester Joseph Jurkus, 97 of Bedford, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Campbell Rest Home. He was born on Thursday, October 22, 1914 in Milwaukee, WI, a son of the late Frank Jurkus and Anna Randokow Jurkus. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Maxine McCarty Jurkus, a sister, Anne Monson and a brother, Zanner Jurkus. He was a retired auto mechanic, a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and a U. S. Army veteran having served during World War II. Surviving are his sons, N. Keith Jurkus & wife, Chieko, Michael D. Jurkus & wife, Patti, Phillip M. Jurkus & wife, Jane; four granddaughters, Stephanie J. Toms, Shannon J. Padgett, Jennifer M. Alluisi, Holly J. Goddard, six great grandchildren, Tyler & Peyton Overstreet, Klementine Toms, Lexi & Ayden Padgett and Victoria Goddard. The family would like to thank the staff of Campbell Rest Home for their loving care and kindness. Chet was a loving and giving man and on his behalf, the family requests the you make a donation to your favorite charity in his memory. A Celebration of Chet's life will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 12:30 pm at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Pastor Danny Holdren officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.