Chester W. Grobschmidt

Chester Grobschmidt went peacefully into the arms of the angels and our Lord on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 104. He was born to John and Ann Grobschmidt on June 8, 1920.

Loving father to daughter Karen (Bo) Southerlin, daughter-in-law Barbara, proud grandfather to Tamara (John) Grobschmidt-German and Gregory Orozco, and great-grandfather to Josie, Harper and Bennett.

He was preceded in death by his wife Leone (Repech) of 32 years and wife Lorraine (Schweitzer) of 24 years, his beloved son Richard Grobschmidt, grandson Brian Orozco, siblings Gilbert, John, Lucille and their spouses, as well as his dear friend Eugene Chodkowski.

Survived by children through marriage Sharon (Dan) Cowles, Patricia (Tom) Briesemeister, Jim (Karen) Schweitzer, and Jon (Leslie) Schweitzer, along with many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, who truly loved Chet. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, along with countless lifelong friends. 

Chet was honored to serve as Mayor of South Milwaukee for 28 years and prior to that Alderman for 9 years. He worked at Bucyrus Erie as a Template Designer/Maker for 42 years.

Chet served 3 years in the Navy in World War II in the Admiralty Islands in the South Pacific as a Second Class Metalsmith. He participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2010.

Chet received many accolades for this service to the City of South Milwaukee. The Grobschmidt Senior Center and Grobschmidt Pool were named in his honor. During Armed Forces Week of 2023, all of the Armed Forces recognized Chet as “Citizen of the Year” at a ceremony at the128th Air Refueling Wing.

Chet was a lifetime member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church and Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 27, AMVETS Post 4, Catholic War Vets Post 672, South Milwaukee Knights of Columbus Council 1709, South Milwaukee Historical Society and Bucyrus Oldtimers Association.

Chet’s family would like to thank Meadowmere Assisted Living for the loving care they had given Chet.

“Mayor Chet” was an inspiration to many within the South Milwaukee Community. Chet loved his life in public service, always guided by his concern for others. Throughout both work and personal life, he cultivated many lifelong friendships that were an important part of this life. Chet lived everyday by serving the community with grace, compassion, honesty and humility. He took joy in promoting South Milwaukee as a place to be proud to raise a family.

Visitation will be held at Divine Mercy, 800 Marquette Avenue, South Milwaukee, on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers please direct donations to Karen Southerlin to be dispersed to Chet’s Charitables.