Jerome "Jerry" Edward Chadek's Obituary
Jerome (Jerry) Edward Chadek passed away quietly into the arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, May 15, 2017 surrounded by his family at Ascension All Saints Hospital.
Jerry was born in Milwaukee on October 3, 1922 to Frank and Mary (nee: Tischler) Chadek. He attended Horlick High School and later married Lois Ziesemer. Lois passed away on April 12, 2011.
Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on November 11, 1942 and completed several months of training before being assigned a pilot position with the U.S. Air Force. He was a pilot on a B-17 bomber, “Swinging on a Star”. He was stationed in England and successfully completed 35 missions over Germany with the 8th Air Force 94th Bomb Group. Jerry was discharged at Fort MacArthur in July 1945. He joined the Reserves and served from 1945 to 1982, retiring as a major. He and his son had the honor of being part of the November 5, 2011 Stars and Stripes Honor Flight in a one-day tour of the war memorials in Washington, D.C. for World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans from other wars. He worked at J.I. Case Company and Eaton Corporation in Kenosha, retiring in 1984. Jerry and his wife, Lois, were lifetime members of the American Legion Post 171, Union Grove, WI. Jerry was the oldest remaining member. He always enjoyed working with wood, making items for his family, and items for events for the American Legion Fundraisers. Jerry enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, and loved spending time with his family.
Jerry is survived by his three children: Gloria (Garry) Friesema of Racine, Tom (Denise) Chadek of Racine, and Dawn Chadek-Mortenson (Matt MacDonald) of Charleston, SC; eight grandchildren: Rick (Sue) Friesema, Cherie (Ron) Groen, Susan (Ralph) Friesema, Carrie (fiancée, Steven) Chadek, Ryan (girlfriend, Shelly) Chadek, Kyle Chadek, Eric Mortenson, and Brett (Leah) Mortenson; eight great-grandchildren: Michele and Matthew Friesema, Megan, Erika, and David Groen, Michael Frank, and Jonah and Phoebe Mortenson; sisters-in-law: Janet Green, Joyce Rohner, and Elva Chadek.
Our special thank you to Dad’s faithful caregiver of 2 years, Gambold Tsegmed (Bobby).
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Chadek; his loving wife, Lois Chadek; and his brother, Robert Chadek.
Funeral services in memory of Jerry will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on May 18, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Dave Van Buren officiating. A visitation will be held at Wilson Funeral Home on May 17, 2017, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Family and friends may meet with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on May 18, 2017. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made out to the American Legion Post 171, Union Grove, WI. Online condolences may be made out to wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com.
As a family we give a grateful thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and aides who gave loving and compassionate care to dad all during his last days.
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