Harry O. Chesak

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Harry Otto Chesak, who was called to be with our Lord Jesus on Aug. 15, 2026, at the age of 84. 

Harry lived a life defined by love, hard work, integrity and dedication to those around him. His kindness, gentle spirit and unwavering commitment to his family and friends left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Harry will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the way he made others feel. He was a man people could depend on — someone who offered a helping hand, a listening ear and quiet wisdom whenever it was needed. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures and treasured the time he spent with those he loved.

Though his passing leaves a tremendous void, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created. His family and friends will forever cherish the love, laughter and guidance he shared throughout his 84 years.

Harry was a loving and devoted husband of 65 years to Kay (Knoebel) Chesak; a caring and wonderful dad to seven children,  Sue (John) Kastner, Patty (John) Beimborn, Jeff (Beth) Chesak, Russ (Sherry) Chesak, Kris (Dave) Pansing, Sherry (Kyle) Peiffer and Tom Chesak.  

He was an amazing grandpa to 20 grandkids, Andy, Aaron and Lindsey, Chuck, Kevin, John Jr. and Ashley, Jeffrey and Erica, Samantha, Heidi, Garrett and Gabby, Sydney and Mitchell; Jacob, Sam and Matthew and Brendan and Collin and he was great-grandpapa to 30 beautiful great-grandbabies, all of whom he claimed to be what made him the richest man in this world.  

Those who knew him understood he truly meant it. Harry loved his family more than anything. He was their rock, their tough safety net, and yet he would always be the first to shed a tear in almost every emotional moment or situation, a beautiful trait he so generously passed on to many of his kids and grandkids.

Harry was a twin son to Martin and Loretta (Thelen) Chesak, brother to Jack (Bev) Chesak, Roy (Marilee) Chesak, Bonnie (Dan) Koch, Bill (Marcella) Chesak, his twin Harvey, Sandy (Andy) Mayer and Mary (Bill) Kobernik. He was also a brother-in-law to Mary (Tony) Spaeth, Joanie (Joe) Lindert and Ruth (Jack) Reis. 

Harry found joy in life’s simple pleasures. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you could almost always find him at one of the local town halls enjoying a few spirited games of sheepshead, where he was lucky enough to spend time with friends. He especially loved the rare occasions when he managed to take a dollar or two from his buddies or even from his big brother Bill.  Those victories always brought him an extra smile.

When he wasn’t playing cards, he enjoyed cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, hosting family grill-outs, playing countless games of 500 rummy and taking short trips with those he loved. Perhaps his favorite activity in recent years was hopping on his scooter and cruising through the village streets, often with one of his great-grandchildren buckled in front, creating memories that will be cherished forever.   

An annual favorite was his Christmas cookie decorating with his grands and great-grands, where they would spend the whole day frosting the hundreds of cookies Grandma made. And no one ever snitched about sneaking a lick — or two — of frosting from the spoon. Those joyful moments are now priceless memories.

In his earlier years, Harry enjoyed snowmobiling, camping, playing softball and watching softball as well as watching his kids’ and grandkids’ athletic events.  

Harry also proudly served his community in various ways, the most honorable was his 66 years as a volunteer member of the Newburg Fire Department. Throughout his years of dedication, he served in various positions, including vice president and president of the department.  

Harry’s many years of hard work included employment at The Fredonia Mill, Cedarburg Dairy, Dehling & Voigt and C&K Services, and after retirement he held a delivery position for NAPA Auto Parts.

Harry’s legacy is not measured by accomplishments or possessions but by the love he gave so freely. He leaves behind a family rooted in the values he lived every day — hard work, kindness, loyalty, generosity and unwavering love. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in every family gathering, every card game, every Christmas cookie decorated, every scooter ride remembered, every story shared and every heart he touched.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that Harry’s love will continue to surround us. He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, an incredible father, a cherished grandpa and great-grandpapa, a loyal friend and truly one of the richest men in the world — rich beyond measure because of the family he loved so completely.

Family members who preceded him in death include his son Tom Chesak, his parents Martin and Loretta, his twin brother Harvey, his brothers Jack and Roy, his sister Bonnie; his mother and father-in-law Bud and Jane Knoebel, sisters-in-law Bev Chesak, Mary Spaeth and Ruth Reis and brothers-in-law Dan Koch, Tony Spaeth and Jack Reis, as well as many friends and extended family members.

“The love of a family is life’s greatest blessing.”

A casual celebration of life gathering will be held by Harry’s family at the Newburg Fire Station, 508 W. Main St., Newburg, Wis., on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 1 to  7 p.m.

Gathering itinerary: At 1 p.m. the Newburg Fire Department will welcome Harry home at the station following the final ride. At 1:30 p.m. there will be a family eulogy. At 2:30 p.m. there will be a fire department members Walk of Honor followed by The Final Page (last alarm). Immediately following The Final Page, Harry’s family invites you join them for food, drinks, memories and conversation as we celebrate his life together.

Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. 

If you would like to leave a message of comfort or share a memory of Harry, please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.