Mr. Gary K. Chesney's Obituary
Mr. Gary K. Chesney passed away Saturday, October 13, 2018, at home. He was born January 6, 1936, in Topeka, KS to the late Kent and Regina (Seitz) Chesney. He grew up in Clovis, NM and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, NM. He also received an MBA from the University of Chicago. He proudly served 4 years in the U.S. Navy. On February 4, 1967, he married Norma Klukos and they lived with their family in Homewood, IL. Gary worked for the Santa Fe Railway, retiring in 1992 as assistant to the Vice President-Personnel. After his wife’s death in 2002, Gary moved to Mesa, AZ.
Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He and his wife were passionate world travelers. Gary visited all 7 continents and 49 of the 50 states. He was very proud of his children’s accomplishments and loved spending time with his grandsons. He rooted for the Chicago Bears and Cubs and was a fierce competitor at Scrabble. He also was an avid reader, genealogy researcher, and WWII history buff.
Gary will be deeply missed by his two children: G. Kent (Melanie) Chesney, AZ and Laura Chesney-Gadd (Jason Gadd), MN; two grandsons: Jeremy and Cole Chesney; one brother: Dennis (Cathie) Chesney; two sisters: Karen (Stanley) Dunn and Linda (Richard) Cole; and nephews, a niece, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Grand Haven, MI. Burial will be at Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial account that has been established in Gary’s name at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home 3405 N. Higley Rd. Mesa, AZ 85215.
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