Joseph Chern

Monona - Joseph Chern, age 94, passed away at his home with his loving family by his side on September 16, 2016. He was born April 22, 1922 in St Paul, MN to Russian immigrants, Joseph Xton Chern is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joyce Western Chern, son Andy Chern (Tiffani) and daughters Laura Chern (John Voorhees) and Cindy Casalina (Jeff) and his grandchildren Henry and Andrew Chern, Bob Degnan, Addie and Caz Voorhees, Ivan Casalina, many wonderful nieces and nephews and his cousin, Joe Mogelson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Rose and Hyman Chern, his brother Abe, and his four sisters Sophie, Idell, Fluzzie and Toby, and infant daughter Marci Kate.

He was the youngest of six and part of a large extended family. He told many entertaining tales of his carefree childhood and the family's hide and fur business. We will miss hearing about the 1 lb. nickel candy bars and how he got his driver's license at 13.

During the Second World War, Joe enlisted in the Air Force where he acquired a distaste for war. Afterwards he attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Forestry and Wood Technology. His early career was as a forester in California and Minnesota where he had particularly fond memories of working on the Iron Range. He moved to Madison in 1952 to do research on packaging, particleboard and wood drying at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory. After retirement, he and Joyce joined the Peace Corps and spent 2 years in Talca, Chile. He then joined the Executive Service Corps and was sent to Egypt, Honduras, Belize, and Bosnia to help set up wood dry kilns. He had an exemplary work ethic, and in his spare time, he built three homes and wrote two books.

Joe and Joyce were married in 1955 and moved in to the house they built on the shores of Lake Monona. Joe's long life was full of adventure and fun. With his family, he took many camping trips throughout the U.S. and Canada. He said it best: "We always had fun."

Joe was an extremely clear-thinking individual and a freethinker. His wry wit and common sense will be missed. We would like to thank his doctors, especially Dr. Matthew Swedlund, and the Agrace Hospice Care "Green Team" for helping us through this difficult time.

Joe's lifelong desire to donate his body to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School was granted. Joe would want his friends and family to celebrate his life by voting for Hillary and Russ in November.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3325 East Washington Ave., Madison
608-249-6666