Chester Strasser Obituary – Rockford Register Star

Chester “Chet” Leroy Strasser (8/17/1946-12/31/2024) Born to Walter and Agnes Strasser in Stevens Point, WI, and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1964. Met the love of his life in Beloit, WI, and moved there in 1965. He married Julienne Millheam at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Beloit, WI, on June 29, 1968. He trained and served in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, CA, earning recognition in expert marksmanship. Upon completing his basic training, he finished his obligation with the Army National Guard of WI. Chet joined the Rockford Fire Department in 1970 and served as a fire fighter and paramedic over the course of 34 years, concluding his career as Lieutenant. Upon the unexpected passing of his father-in-law in 1971, Chet voluntarily stepped in and ran the seasonal, family Christmas roping and wreath decorating business that year. He continued spreading Christmas joy through that family business for the next 50 years, before eventually handing it off to his son who continues it today. All of Chet’s children and grandchildren have been involved in the business, in some capacity, reinforcing important lessons of dedication, commitment, teamwork, and spreading holiday cheer. The product of a different era, Chet began working in the home construction business as young as 12 years old. He continued learning the trade, eventually building the two homes his family enjoyed – one in Rockford, IL, and later a much beloved log cabin home at Apple Canyon Lake, IL. Chet and Julienne also owned and operated a local Housemaster Home Inspection franchise for many years, where Chet conducted home inspections throughout several counties in the state-line area. He was also known for teaching local CPR classes and serving as Santa Claus in the community. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Beloit, WI. Chet’s family will remember him as an incredibly hard worker, often holding several jobs and volunteer positions at the same time. He was fiercely protective of his family and was absolutely nothing he would not have done for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a John Wayne fan, enjoyed competing in local fishing tournaments, boating with his family, woodworking, sledding and jumping on trampolines, and taking his grandchildren on golf cart rides for breakfast-ice cream whenever he could. He rarely missed his children or grandchildren’s activities and was the most loving and involved Papa. Chet was well-known and loved for his sense of humor. He will be missed by his wife of over 56 years, Julienne (Millheam)Strasser, his children, Stephanie (Brad) Meier and Steve (Bekki) Strasser; grandchildren, Megan (Jesse) Rapp, Madison Meier, Preston and Presley Strasser; siblings, Yvonne (Bill) Wenzel, Donald Strasser, Fred (Alice) Strasser, Lucretia (Don) Wroblewski; brother-in-law Rex (Charlotte) Millheam and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; siblings Darlene Wierzba and Norman Strasser; in-laws Curtis “Duke” and Hilda Millheam and his best, four-legged friend, Trippy. The family would like to express a special thanks to the caregivers at Highview in the Woodlands and Northern Illinois Hospice, who cared for Chet during his journey with frontotemporal dementia. A Funeral Service for Chet will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, with Pastor Tony Dusso officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery, Beloit, WI, with Military Honors accorded by VFW Post #2306. Visitation of Remembrance will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025 in the funeral home. Visitation will also be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday in the funeral home. A memorial will be established at a later date in Chet’s name. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com