Jack Leland Chestnut

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Chestnut, Jack Leland Age 92, of Minnetonka, MN and Sanibel Island, FL. Passed away June 27, 2024. A lawyer, civic leader, and enthusiastic world traveler, he is survived by his children, Leslie Chestnut, Tracy van der Leeuw, Allison Rosenburg (Scott), and Marty Chestnut (Kelly), and their mother, Karen Anderson, his grandchildren, Josh Hahn (Abbie), Jackson Hahn, Sonita van der Leeuw, Nehali van der Leeuw, and Jenna Rosenburg and many other family members and friends. Jack was preceded in death suddenly by his beloved wife of 28 years, Fay Chestnut, on March 20, 2024. Born June 19, 1932, he was the only child of Martin and Gladys Chestnut. At the University of Minnesota, Jack was a member of the Naval ROTC. After earning his BA degree in 1954, he performed active service in the United States Navy on the USS Delta AR9, based in Spokane, WA. His tours of duty included Japan and other Pacific Ocean nations. He was honorably discharged from the US Navy Reserve with the rank of Lieutenant in 1967. At the University of Minnesota Law School, Jack joined the Delta Chi/Gamma Eta Gamma Fraternity where he made many lasting friendships and filled leadership roles, including president. Upon admission to the Minnesota Bar in 1959 he was appointed Special Assistant Attorney General by MN Attorney General Miles W. Lord. In 1962, Attorney General Walter F. Mondale also appointed him an Assistant Attorney General. He left public service in 1963 to establish as senior partner what became the law firm of Chestnut, Jones, Brooks, & Kennedy. He was proud of his firm and the scores of talented men and women with whom he worked. His distinguished legal career spanned more than 60 years. He was admitted to practice before the US District Court of MN, US Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit, US Supreme Court, Federal Maritime Commission, US Department of the Treasury, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. Jack's extensive legal practice had a particular emphasis on business representation and civil litigation in the areas of federal multidistrict antitrust and securities fraud actions. He built a reputation as a skilled and successful trial lawyer, respected by judges and adversaries for his legal knowledge, analytic capability, judgment, and wit. The appreciation and high regard of his clients and business associates meant the world to him. Jack's institutional memory of Minnesota politics was often sought out and valued highly in later years. He served as an advance man in election campaigns for Vice President Hubert Humphrey, and managed Humphrey's campaigns for the US Senate in 1970 and the presidency in 1972. He served on the Roseville Planning Commission and the Roseville Road Committee, as president of the Roseville Jaycees, and on the Executive Committee of the MN Jaycees. He received Roseville's Distinguished Service Award (1963, 1965) and was recognized among Ten Outstanding Men of MN (1963). He served on committees and boards of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and Children's Heart Fund. Jack ardently supported the MN Heart Institute, Golisano Children's Hospital of SW FL, and F.I.S.H of Sanibel-Captiva. Jack was an avid golfer with a fondness for the Dunes on Sanibel, and Interlachen and Midland Hills in Minnesota. He was also a hunter and fisherman. Highlights of his family life with Karen and their children included northwoods cabin adventures with friends, hunting with his Labrador Retriever, Harry, and many epic fishing trips. On May 18, 1996, Jack married Fay Larson. A dynamic team, they golfed, entertained graciously at their homes in Sanibel Island, FL and Minnetonka, MN, and traveled to every continent on the globe. Their extraordinary cruises were the highlight of his life. Another great pleasure was dining out at their favorite restaurants such as Traditions in Sanibel, Osteria da Pasqualino Gubitosa in Lucca, Italy, and Manny's Steakhouse in Minneapolis. He also dearly loved the West Highland Terriers that shared their lives. Private interment. A Celebration of Life for Jack will be held October 12, 2024, noon to 3:00 pm at the Midland Hills Country Club in Roseville, MN. A Celebration of Life for Fay Chestnut will also be held on this date and time at Midland Hills. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be sent to Golisano Children's Hospital of SW Florida and the Parkinson's Foundation. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on July 3, 2024