Michael Chesney

McFarland- Michael (Mike, JaJa ) Steven Chesney, 71, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday November 9, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born in Duluth, Minnesota to Bruno and Ann (Astedt) Chesney. He graduated from Duluth Central High School, attended Pasadena College and graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a BS in Animal Science. He was a bull rider on the Cal Poly Rodeo Team, where he met the love of his life and wife of 48 years, Linda Marlene (Offerdahl) Chesney. He went on to attend graduate school at University Lincoln Nebraska where he received his Masters of Science. He started his career At Oscar Mayer in Research and Development where he was employed for 26 years before retiring in 1999. After retiring he continued on as a consultant for many years.

Mike and Linda were blessed with four children, Mark Chesney of Stoughton, Kimberly (Keith) Canady, of Canyon Country, Kristen Chesney (deceased), and Peggy (Scott) Biederman of Madison. He is survived by 9 grandchildren: Hayden Chesney, Casey Canady, Ansel Chesney, Jaime Canady, Kristen Canady, Alden Biederman, Sophie Chesney, Cecelia "Cece" Biederman, Chase Chesney and a brother Jack (Terry) Chesney, sister Patricia Bracken, sister-in-law June Chesney all of Duluth MN , brother-in-law Loren Offerdahl of Apple Valley and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Linda, daughter Kristen, parents Bruno and Ann , brothers, William (Bill), James (Jim), Robert (Bob) Chesney, sister in-law Marion Chesney.

Mike was a devoted husband, father and friend. He selflessly cared for his wife for many years, even throughout his illness he managed to put others first, never complained and always kept his faith. He had a great love of the outdoors, he enjoyed skiing, boating, running, hunting and fishing with grandchildren, and yearly trips to deer camp with many friends and relatives. Mike always found a way to fill the room with laughter with his stories and puny sense of humor. He remains the undisputed "eysie-earsie-kneesie-nosie champion" He loved to play guitar and we will always remember the impromptu polka band and his infamous laughing song. He took great care and interest in all of our lives and taught us all the importance of family. Mike will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Thank you to the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of UW hospital and Southern Hospice Care for their devoted and loving care. In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 2231

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Christ the King Catholic Church in McFarland with Father D. Stephen Smith presiding. Burial will follow in Upper McFarland Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon reception, immediately following the burial, in the church fellowship hall. Friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church on Monday.