Chester W. Grobschmidt

Chester Grobschmidt is peaceful in the arms for 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, great-grandfather to Josie, Harper and Bennett.

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

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

Chester retired from Bucyrus Erie after 42 years as a Template Designer/Maker. Chester also served as Alderman for 9 years and 28 years as Mayor of South Milwaukee. 

 Chester served 3 years in WWII as a Metal Smith 2nd Class South Pacific Duty and was aboard for an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2010.

 Chet received many accolades for this service to the City of South Milwaukee and surrounding communities. The Grobschmidt senior Center was named in his honor. In 2023 he received the 440th Air refueling award as “Citizen of the Year”. 

Chet was a lifetime member of Divine Mercy Church and member of the 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 No 1709, So. Milwaukee Historical Society and Bucyrus Erie Old Timers.

 We would like to thank Meadowmere of Oak Creek for the loving care they have 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 reinforcing South Milwaukee as a place to be proud to raise a family. 

 Visitation at Divine Mercy (800 Marquette Ave., 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.