Chester "John" Hirschfelder

Chester John Hirschfelder II, age 71, passed away at home in Kalispell, Mont., in late April 2021. He is survived by his wife, two sons, six grandchildren, and brother. John was preceded in death by his parents, and another brother. He married his high-school sweetheart and faithfully cared for her throughout their 52 years together. John was a “gentle giant,” both literally and figuratively; standing 6’ 5’’, he was a man of faith, an American patriot, a supportive father, and a loyal friend.

John was born in 1949 in San Diego, Calif., where his father served in the Navy. The family resided at various stations in Hawaii, Texas, and California, until they returned to and settled in San Diego. During his youth, John was a dedicated Sea Scout of the Boy Scouts of America, a master councilor in DeMolay, and—no doubt aided by his height—an excellent basketball player. Growing up Episcopalian, John trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He showed his faith through his generosity to others. John never knew a stranger! He offered hospitality that was consistent with his mother’s Southern roots, and his amity put a person right at ease.

John earned his Associate of Science in General Electronics in 1970 from San Diego City College. In 1976 he completed an apprenticeship to acquire his sound technician certificate. The following year, he moved his family from San Diego to Kalispell, Mont., where he was a journeyman electrician.

He served the Flathead Valley as a Low-Voltage Electrician and Sound-Acoustics Engineer for almost four decades, first as an electrician at Plum Creek Lumbermill. His self-started business, Northern Sound & Communication, is described by a friend as having humble beginnings. It “began in the back of a small pinto auto that ran on three cylinders and used more oil than gas.”  Over the next decade and a half, John grew the business to employ 7 to 8 people who carried out projects all over western Montana. The work included installing fire alarm systems, intercoms, and background music—in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and many other large, commercial businesses. Eventually John sold his business to a larger corporation, but he continued in management with them until his retirement. He had a special talent for drafting and design. His winsome and genuine customer service secured him a great reputation, and he always said that, all that is needed to “seal a deal” is a man’s handshake. In retirement, John developed and owned Pheasant Run Park, a living community for ages 55+. He was devoted to his neighbors and his tenants, always making people feel at home.

An interesting piece of Kalispell history includes John and his wife’s relocation of the historic farmhouse of the old potato farm, originally located up on U.S. Route 93. After navigating its transfer to their property on Whitefish Stage Rd, they undertook its renovation. But after several years, and in order to strengthen his business, John sold the farmhouse and they moved to Evergreen.

John’s passions included fly fishing, building model-train layouts, taking ship cruises with his bride, and serving in his church. He was a member of the Flathead Valley Model Railroad Club. Indulging his O-Gauge hobby at a train show, with a Coca-Cola in his hand, was John’s “heaven on earth.” John and his wife were members of Adventure Church in Kalispell, associated with The Christian and Missionary Alliance churches. John served as treasurer from 2015 to 2019. Additionally, he was instrumental in designing and installing the sound for the church’s sanctuary remodel. John engaged in all types of construction projects. However, his pinnacle passion was for his family. He cheered-on his sons and grandchildren, in their work interests and in pursuing their dreams. Our “gentle giant” stood as a steady, strong role model. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 7 pm on Wed., May 19, 2021 at Adventure Church, 348 Second Ave W, in Kalispell. A reception will follow with a “Coca-Cola Send-Off.” Live streaming is available on Facebook (or on Facebook Watch for non-Facebook users): search for adventurechurchkalispell. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of John’s favorite causes—youth camp scholarships—of which his church disperses. Please make donations to Adventure Church (348 Second Ave W/Kalispell, MT 59901), with “Dickey Lake Bible Camp” in the memo.