Chester "Pete" Smith Jr.

Chester “Pete” Smith Jr, 74, of Franklin Grove, IL passed away on July 2nd, 2025. Pete was born on March 26th, 1951 in Dekalb, IL, the son of Chester Smith Sr and Lois Eckhardt. He grew up in Lee and joined the United States Navy in 1968 serving on the USS Kilauea for 4 years. After serving his country he continued to serve his community as a DeKalb County Sheriff and later as a volunteer firefighter in Franklin Grove. He met his wife while working at a nursing home in DeKalb where his mother also worked. Pete married Therese Ann Lachat on September 19, 1980. Lifelong residents of Illinois they raised their children in Earlville, Leland, and Ottawa, before finally calling Franklin Grove home. Working with family was a normal affair for the Smiths as Pete spent the majority of his career with State of Illinois Department of Corrections along side his wife, son and daughter. He retired in 2007 after 27 years of service. All his children followed his lead serving the Department of Corrections in some capacity over the years while his eldest son retired from the Rochelle Police Department. Pete loved his family, pets, country music, wrestling, Westerns, and collected anything and everything bald eagle. He was always in attendance at all grandchildren’s events including volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, band concerts, plays, cheerleading, and dance. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Therese; 5 children: Chester Smith III (Leah), Catherine Smith, Matt Smith (Crystal), Jeremy Smith (Val), and Bill Smith (Emily); 8 grandchildren: Chelsea Smith (David), Levi Smith, Tyler O’Dowd (Kevin), Emma Smith, Hailey Smith, Max Smith, Carter Smith, and Avery Smith; and siblings Charlie (Jackie) Smith, Melody Himan (Bob), and Darrin Smith (Michelle) along with nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Lois Smith, as well as two brothers, Grant and Lester Smith. Visitation will be on Monday July 7, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a memorial service at 7:00 PM at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Cremation rites will follow with private burial at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. Arrangements were completed by Jones Funeral Home.

Chester "Pete" Smith Jr.

March 26, 1951 - July 2, 2025