Roger Lee Chessman

GAYS MILLS Roger Chessman, age 91, died Sunday July 23, 2017 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse. Roger was born in Itasca, Illinois in 1926, a town his family had helped settle in the early 1800s. He was the son of Stanley Chessman and Theresa Paulson and enjoyed growing up in this small town with generations of family as neighbors. There was always some event that Roger was involved in such as the slow bike race, which he won many years in a row. Roger attended school in the school built by his great grandfather and was in the last graduating class along with only 5 other children. He went on to attend Glenbard High school in a nearby town and ended by attending Elmhurst College where he graduated with a degree in Business. While at Elmhurst he met his beloved wife Janice who was also attending school there. In 1944 he enlisted in he Army and served in WWII in the Philippines. Upon returning home he married Janice and they went on to settle back in Itasca to raise their family. Roger worked in Chicago as an accountant for Zurich American Insurance Company until his retirement at which time he kept himself busy with a car rental agency which he owned and operated. In 1995 he and Janice moved to their beautiful property in Gays Mills where they relaxed and enjoyed the beauty of the area. Airplanes were always an interest of Rogers. He got his pilots license and enjoyed flying both as a hobby locally and as a means to transport himself and his family to many places for vacations. Roger would never pass up vigourous conversation about airplanes with anyone who showed an interest and absorbed every inch of the many flying magazines than he subscribed to. We all have memories of him sitting in the yard and watching the planes go over our house in Itasca identifying each of them. After moving to Gays mills Roger and Janice lived a peaceful quiet life. They enjoyed the beauty of their property and the serenity that the area provided. During their years there they cherished the many people who touched their lives. Roger enjoyed the peacefulness of mowing his lawn which was always kept manicured if he had any say. He also enjoyed his dogs that were always around and part of his life. Roger greatly missed his dear wife of 69 years Janice who preceeded him in death in March. We all take solice knowing that the two of them are together now in peace. Roger leaves behind three children, Susan Chessman Detterbeck, Nancy Huxley Mink, and James (Kathy) Chessman. 5 Grandchildren, Zachary Detterbeck (Jen), Joshua Detterbeck (Katelyn), Jasmin Huxley Blake (Chris), Arielle Huxley, Adriana Chessman (Derek) and 3 Great grandchildren, Amelia Sky Huxley, Christopher Blake and Bella Blake. A small memorial service is being planned for sometime in the nearby future. The family wishes to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills is serving the family. (608) 735-2100