Chester Wenckaitis

Chet lived 88 years and truly believed in working hard and enjoying his family. This dedication to the things and people that were important to Chet will live in the hearts of those that survive him.

Chet was born June 3rd 1923, the son of the late Charles and Laura (Baktis) Wenckaitis. He called Chicago, IL home until graduation from high school, when he then entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Chet travelled to the South Pacific, where he proudly served during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Chicago, where he met and fell in love with Pauline Friske. After a 4 month courtship, they married on February 16th 1946 and shared 52 years together. Together they owned three different taverns in the Chicago area, and started their family.

From 1969 until their retirement in 1988, Chet and Pauline owned Chet's Valley Inn, in Rib Mountain. They worked together to build the family business into a successful area bar and banquet hall; known especially for their Friday Fish Fry. After retirement, Chet and Pauline built a home in Tomahawk, where they lived for four years. They were always busy, spending their time on road trips, boating, and being with their children and grandchildren. Travelling and trips to the casino were a popular pastime with the couple. The couple returned to Rib Mountain, where they lived for over 20 years, when Pauline's health started failing. During the summer, Chet loved to go onto his deck, watch the hummingbirds, and take a little rest.
Chester A. Wenckaitis died December 28th 2011, surrounded by family, at Ministry St. Clare's Hospital, Weston.

He will be lovingly remembered by his 2 daughters, Judith (Jeffrey) Heil, and Lisa Dumdei, both of Rib Mountain; 2 sons, Thomas (Sharon) Wenckaitis, Elgin, IL, and Jeffrey Wenckaitis, Rib Mountain; 6 grandchildren, Tommy Wenckaitis and Tina Yarber, Ryan (Jenn) Heil and Lea (Todd) Wilde, Mitchell and Logan Dumdei; 10 great-grandchildren; and other family and friends.

Along with his parents, Chet was predeceased by his wife, Pauline, in 1998.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 3rd, at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Wausau. Father David Rybicki will officiate. Entombment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Full military honors provided by the VFW Burns Post No. 388. Family will receive guests on Tuesday, at church, beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. You may sign our family guestbook at www.helke.com.