He was born June 7, 1922, in the Town of Angelica, to the late John and Ida (Luecke) Katch. He attended Angelica grade school and Pulaski High School. Chet served in World War II in the European Theatre, receiving the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. On September 6, 1947, he married Betty Jane Behnke at Assumption B.V.M. in Pulaski. Chet started with Red Owl Stores, Inc. in June of 1947. He purchased his own store in Oconto in 1959 and operated that business until he retired in 1975. He was active in many organizations in the City of Oconto. He was a 3rd Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, a 50 year member of the American Legion and a past president of the Kiwanis Club. Chet contributed to the City of Oconto by serving as the Director of the Oconto Industrial park, City Coordinator for Industry and President of the Economic Development Corporation of Oconto County.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Jane; a son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Kris Katch, Peoria, IL; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Dan Cisar, Peshtigo; five grandchildren, Sara, Brian, Keith and Anna Cisar and Matthew Erik Katch. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Keith Mark; six brothers and three sisters.
Friends called at St. Jude Catholic Church, Green Bay from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, November 2. The Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. Ron Belitz officiating. Burial in Fort Howard Memorial Park.
Blaney Funeral Home, Green Bay, assisted the family.