Chester Kanitz

Madison - Chester E. "Chet" Kanitz, age 80, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Agrace Hospice Center, Fitchburg. He was born on October 31, 1931 in Chicago, IL, the son of Arthur and Hilda (Viehe) Kanitz. Chet was raised in Merrill where he spent most of his childhood. He moved to the Madison area and met his future wife at a square dance. He married Lucille V. Fletcher on July 14,1956. After raising his family he retired from the UW Heating Plant in 1997 after more than 40 years of employment. Chet enjoyed many trips to Merrill, his other home. He also traveled around the United States as well as Germany, England and France. He took pride in the fact that he educated himself on numerous subjects including electronics and anything mechanical and automotive. Chet adored his family and also loved his beer. He is survived by his children, Lynn (John) Brower of Marshall, Denise (Lonnie) Ralston of Eau Claire, and Arthur (Fern) Kanitz of Madison; "Gramps" to Dan, April, Avrianna, John Jr. (Erin), JoAnn (Ryan) Simons and Steve Brower and and Rachael, Jesse (Julie), Matthew, and Timothy Ralston; Great "Gramps" to, Jezebelle and Jeremiah Ralston, Dallas, Annabelle and Ethan Simons, and Hannah and Noah; sister, Mary Ann (Richard) Schmidt of Delavan, brother-in-law Dennis Fletcher of Winter; cousins; other relatives; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucille in 2005; son, Philip in 1998 and step-mother, Josy in 1994. A funeral service will be held at HART-VICK FUNERAL HOME, 107 S. Beebe St., Marshall on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 12:00 Noon with Rev. Dr. Deborah Lind-Schmitz officiating. Burial to immediately follow at Medina Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the time of service. Online condolences may be left at watertownwifuneralhome.com. "Sit down, have a cold one and behave yourself!"