01.23.13

Hoeven Statement on Death of Chester Reiten

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven and his wife Mikey extended their condolences today to the family and friends of North Dakota businessman and philanthropist Chester Reiten, who died yesterday in Minot: 

“Chester Reiten was a great North Dakotan and a great American. He especially loved Minot. I feel privileged to have known Chet all my life, and I am thankful to have called him a friend. He has left an indelible impact on our state and country, first serving our nation during World War II and returning home to become a pioneer North Dakota broadcaster, mayor of Minot, state legislator and the heart and soul of Høstfest, which today remains the largest Scandinavian festival in North America. These many accomplishments, and more, made Chet an easy choice for the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award, which I was proud to present to him in 2002. Chet truly was an all-around great guy who will be deeply missed. Mikey and I extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife of more than 65 years, Joy, and his family and friends.”