Condolence: Had the good fortune to teach with Steve in Bradshaw when we were both young and starting out. Dude!...What happened to the shaggy hair, the thin-rimmed glasses, the cigarette and the funky mustache? (Yeah, I know, me too.) I loved Steve's happy, easygoing embrace of life, his infectious approach to teaching and cultivating an appreciation of art and creativity in young people in that small Nebraska town; coaching volleyball; and all the fun he brought to our small community of young teachers. There were three or four people who stand out in my mind from that time, and Steve stood tall! Good people leave good memories: Steve, you were the best!

Condolence: MK, Tara and Brett - We're keeping you all in our thoughts, and sending much love.

Condolence: M.K., you're in my thoughts. Love, Barb

Condolence: Dear Chesley family; I was shocked and saddened to learn of Steve passing. Please know that you are in our prayers and thoughts. May your memories bring you comfort.

Condolence: MK and Family, My thoughts and prayer's go out to each of you during this tragic time. I wish there were words I could say that would help the pain to go away, but we know that there isn't anything to make that happen. Only time can heal, I know that it takes time for the pain to ease, but with the Love of God, friends, and family you will learn to go on and keep Steve's memory alive. God bless each of you and I wish you all the love and peace.

Condolence: MY SINCERE SYMPATHY OF YOUR LOSS OF A WONDERFUL MAN! I HAD MR. CHESLEY FOR 7 & 8TH GRADE ART AND POTTERY, HE WAS THE BEST ART TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD! HE WILL BE TRULY MISSED. I GOT TO SEE HIM A FEW WEEKS AGO AND OF COURSE TALKED ABOUT ART AND ART SUPPLIES. I HAVE A SON THAT HAS BEEN GETTING INTO DRAWING AND I NEED SOME ADVICE ON THE BEST KIND OF SUPPLIES TO GET. HE TOOK ME TO THE SUPPLIES SECTION AT THE STORE WE WERE AT AND HELPED ME GET THE RIGHT STUFF. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SWEET AND CARING PERSON TO EVERYONE! MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TODAY AS YOU REMEMBER HIM! GOD PLEASE WRAP YOUR ARMS AROUND THEM AND GUIDE THEM THROUGH TODAY AND AS THEY MOVE FOWARD. IN JESUS'S NAME! AMEN! TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS!

Condolence: Dee and I are very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I much enjoyed working with Steve on various school district math projects. He was a wonderful colleague and friend to share and discuss ideas. I admired his humor, vitality and love of people. He will continue to live on in our hearts and soul. MK, Tara and Brett you are in our thoughts and prayers. .....Craig & Dee Parks

Condolence: MK, I would like to share with you the last time I saw Steve. He was on Silt Mesa picking asparagus to make you a special dinner (his words) before you left to take care of your mother. Steve was sad about your being gone so long. He loved you dearly. What a wonderful husband. My sincere condolences.

Condolence: My thoughts and prayers go out to MK and the Chesley family in this time of sorrow. Even though I hadn't seen Steve and MK since they left Bradshaw I have always carried the memories of the times we shared so many years ago. Steve was a true free spirit and the best friend a person could have. He's in the hands of the Lord now. RIP old friend......

Condolence: In the bottom of an old pond lived some grubs who could not understand why none of their group came back after crawling up the stems of the lilies to the top of the water. They promised each other that the next one who was called to make the upward climb would return and tell what happened to him. Soon one of them felt the impulse to seek the surface; he rested himself on the top of a lily pad and went through a glorious transformation, which made him a dragonfly with beautiful wings. In vain he tried to keep his promise. Flying back and forth over the pond, he peered down on his friends below. Then he realized that even if they could see him they would not recognize such a radiant creature as one of their number. The fact that we cannot see our family or friends or communicate with them after the transformation, which we call death, is no proof that they cease to exist. Ours is a creative God, the maker of heaven and earth and all that lives on it. This God who is the giver of life most assuredly has a creative destiny for us beyond death . . . . Walter Dudley Cavert God Bless the Chesley Family . . . . from a friend and fellow hunter in Nebraska

Condolence: Our hearts and prayers go out to all of Steve’s family and friends at this time. There aren’t enough words that express the shock of such news and the empathy that we wish to send to MK ,Tara, Brett, and all of Steve’s family and friends. I have known Steve since fourth grade, and we have been close friends ever since. Even though over the years there have been periods of time we might not have seen each other as often as we would have liked, you could always count on Steve to be that calm, understanding, genuine friend that would not only be happy to see you, but would open his home and his heart to you. It came as no surprise that Steve, MK and family made so many close friends in Rifle and everywhere they went. Although my family will not be able to be there for the services on Wednesday, please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you, our thoughts of Steve will never fade and we will be there for MK and family, in whatever capacity forever. Sincerely, Clifton and Travi Ross Family

Condolence: My heart and thoughts go with Mr. Chesley's loved ones. He was a great teacher and a truly wonderful person. I remember him being a very patient and peaceful person and he definitely lived his life to the fullest. May his bright spirit and love for life inspire those who had the opportunity to know him. Rest in peace Mr. Chesley.

Condolence: I'm very sorry for your loss. Mr. Chesley was one of my teachers in middle school. Over the summer I walked into the art studio in Rifle (when it was closed) and we started talking. I am now a teacher myself and have a love of math. We had a wonderful conversation about math and math programs. I was back in town and went to visit him only to see the notice on the art shop window. He will be greatly missed.

Condolence: MK- I was so sad to her of Steve's passing and my heart is aching for you right now. I want you to know that you, Tara, and Brett are in my thoughts and in my prayers. I cannot imagine what you must be going through and I hope you find comfort in your friends and family and also in the memories you have with Steve. God bless you MK! With love, Dale

Condolence: MK- Steve was one of the kindest men I ever had the pleasure to know and teach with. Truly a prince among men! He made such a difference in so many lives, in and outside of the classroom. The love you shared will last a lifetime. His legacy will live on through Tara and Bret, but the world will never be the same. Sending love and prayers.

Condolence: Mk and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Chesley as a patient and kind math teacher I had in middle school. Through the years he has accomplished such wonderful things but the memory I have of him most is his patience with me in class and how at that time I needed just that. Steve is a wonderful human being. May God Bless your family.

Condolence: Dear MK and family, My heart goes out to you, Tara and Bret in the loss of Steve. What a wonderful person and what wonderful memories you will have. I know I will remember with fondness you and Steve on the ski slopes of Colorado with good friends having a great time in the snow back in our twenties...God bless and I am with you in prayers on Wednesday. Love, Rita

Condolence: MK, Tara and Brett, Words cannot express how very sad we are to hear of the loss of Steve. The world is missing a kind and creative man. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. With love and sympathy, Missy and Tom Taucher