Chester "Buzz" Roy Chostner Jr.

Chester “Buzz” Roy Chostner Jr., 72, of Caledonia, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on December 19, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 18, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida, the son of Chester R. and Juanita M. (Georger) Chostner Sr. and earned his BA from Northern Illinois University and JD from Southern Illinois University. Buzz married Mary Ellen Shumate on June 30, 2001, in Rockford.

Buzz practiced law for 47 years, much of it from his own law firm working closely with his wife Mary Ellen. He was very dedicated to his career, walking quickly to the courthouse to take on the challenging cases he enjoyed. His clients benefitted from his strenuous advocacy on their behalf.

Outside of work Buzz loved to be outdoors and enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening, skiing, and walking his dogs (especially BoRegard). He was a dedicated golfer and spent every Saturday golfing with his friends. One of his favorite conversation starters was to talk about his two holes-in-one at Aldeen. In his younger years, Buzz played soccer in college and joined a slow pitch softball league with fellow lawyers. He was a member of Pinetree Pistol Club, Beloit Rifle Club, Illinois State Bar Association, and the Winnebago County Bar Association. Buzz was a master in the kitchen and cherished his time tweaking new recipes but often regretted installing smoke alarms so near the kitchen. He was great at working with his hands and could fix anything. Buzz was an authentic, charismatic, strong-willed, and curious husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. “No man is a failure who has friends” from It’s A Wonderful Life was his favorite quote.

Buzz is survived by those who loved him most, his wife of 22 years, Mary Ellen; his children, Emily (Joshua) Welte and Ben (Sarah) Chostner; his stepchildren, Jocelyn (Antran) Graceffa and Peter (Kristen) Graceffa; his grandchildren, Juliana and William Welte, Aviva and Nathan Chostner, Breanna and Jaden Newble, and Brayden and Kaylee Graceffa; his two great grandchildren; his dog, Jake; his siblings, Gloria (Greg), Roy (Deb), and Lori (Russ); his first wife Deb; and numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the ICU and Nursing Staff at OSF St. Anthony Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at The Venetian Club, 2180 Elmwood Road, Rockford, IL 61103. Dress is casual and the family wishes to compile a collection of Buzz stories. Please consider bringing your favorite photo with a description/story to the celebration. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to the Youth Golf Fund within the Rockford Park District. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.