Dr. Chester A. Gjertson, DDS

Gjertson, Dr. Chester A. DDS MADISON-Dr. Chester Alvin Gjertson DDS, age 92, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009. Chet was born on Nov. 28, 1916, the only child of Alvin C. Gjertson and Helma L. (Johnson) Gjertson. He spent his childhood in Stoughton, graduating from Stoughton High School, class of 1934. Chet continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University College of Dentistry, graduating in 1942. That same year he married Mildred Geneva Thompson, his wife of 67 years, on July 5, 1942 at the First Lutheran Church in Stoughton. Chet enlisted in the Army and was called to active duty in 1942, he was commissioned in the Dental Corps and assigned to the 44th General Hospital. Chet was stationed in the Pacific and served proudly oversees until 1946. Upon his return, he continued serving with the 44th in the United States Army Reserve becoming the chief of dental service, deputy commander and, in 1976, commanding officer of the 44th General Hospital. Chet achieved the rank of full colonel and received a meritorious service medal. Stories of Chet's experience in the military were memorialized by Bill Albright in the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress.Dr. Gjertson had a private dental practice in Madison for 55 years, retiring in 2001. Patients knew him for his total dedication and personal, gentle care. He was a dental consultant to the Dane County Department of Health and Social Services from 1956 to 1973. Throughout his career Dr. Gjertson was active in professional organizations, he held leadership positions in the Dane County Dental Society and the Wisconsin Dental Association. He was a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the International College of Dentists, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, and the American Dental Association. He received the Wisconsin Dental Association's Outstanding Service Award in 1982 and the Wisconsin Dental Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1996. Chet was active in the community as a Boy Scout leader of Stoughton Troop No. 45, a member of the East Side Business Men's Association and the Stoughton Fair Association. Beloved by all as a great conversationalist and storyteller, his favorite pastimes were vacationing with his family at the cabin in Solon Springs, fishing, poetry, antique firearms and marksmanship, belonging to the Covair Society of America and the Badger Antique Auto Club. He especially looked forward to his annual trip to the cabin for the Birkebeiner ski race weekend with his son and friends. Although he did not participate in the race, Chet was passionate about fixing the best pre-race meal possible for the skiers. He continued this tradition for more than 20 years to the enjoyment of all who spent the weekend with him. Chet is survived by his wife, Mildred; children, Mary (Robert) Stroud, Richard (Sandy Tanck), Nancy (Chip) Plummer; grandchildren, Kristin (Brian) Lee, Ian (Mary Virginia) Stroud, Andrea (Sam) Fey, Marcie (Josh) Kurtz, Leah Gjertson, Colin Stroud and Daniel Gjertson; and great-grandson, Braden Lee. Chet was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Otto Dreydoppel presiding. Internment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with military rites being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive on Wednesday, Sept.16, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Memorial contributions in honor of Chet should be made to a charity of your choice. The visits and letters from many were greatly appreciated by Chet and his family; the family would also like to give special thanks to the staff of HospiceCare Inc., BrightStar Healthcare, and Oak Park Place for their compassionate care. Memorials: Memorial contributions in honor of Chet should be made to a charity of your choice. Cemetery: Internment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, with military rites being conducted. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive on Wednesday, Sept.16, 2009, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Otto Dreydoppel presiding.