CHESTER T. HARRISON JR.

Chester T. “Chet” Harrison Jr., 79, of 3029 Erik Lane, Sheboygan, died unexpectedly en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sunday, March 14, 2010.

He was born in Plymouth on July 8, 1930, a son of the late Chester and Dala (Doherty) Harrison Sr.

Chet was proud of his Waldo roots and graduated from Waldo High School, class of 1947. He went on to receive an associate degree in accounting from the Sheboygan Business College in 1949.

Chester was united in marriage on June 11, 1949 to his high school sweetheart, Marvel Klug, and they celebrated over 60 years together.

Chet was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corp on Jan. 15, 1952 and served his country during the Korean conflict. He continued his service for an additional six years in the Marine Reserves until his honorable discharge as a sergeant in January 1960. Chet was proud of his service in the Marines, and was always a strong advocate of the military and the Marine Corps.

Chet was employed by Plymouth Industrial Products during the early years of his career. Later the company was acquired by Ametek, where he continued as a plant supervisor.

In 1969, Chet founded Consin Components Corporation and served as president for 31 years. During his tenure, he received the SBA Small Business Award and the Defense Subcontractor of the Year Award from the U.S. Defense Department. Chet retired from his company in 2000.

Chet was a consummate family man, dedicated to Marvel, his kids and grandchildren. Time spent together with them was most important to him.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends, golfing at Pine Hills, “lunches” with his friends and annual trips to Hawaii for the past 23 years. He was an avid Packer, Badger and Brewer fan, attending the Ice Bowl in 1967.

Chet also enjoyed the simple things in life, like a good glass of wine, or taking his garden tractor out to mow lawn and blow snow. He had a smile that made everyone feel good.

Chet was a faithful member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. He was extremely active with the Sheboygan Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. 299, where he was a member since 1957. Chet was a past exalted ruler, Elk of the year, served on the board of governors, a founding member of the gridiron committee and was an honorary founder to the Elks National Foundation. Chet served on the Sheboygan Plan Commission, RCS board of directors, outdoors skills banquet committee and in numerous advisory positions. He was a member of the Sheboygan V.F.W. 9156, Sheboygan Yacht Club, Pine Hills, and Ducks Unlimited.

Surviving Chet is his loving wife, Marvel of Sheboygan; four children, Steven (Joann) Harrison, Randy Harrison, Roxanne (Kevin) Pauls and Robin (Dan) Olson, all of Sheboygan. He is further survived by two sisters, Shirley (Robert) Laske of Middleton, R.I. and Elizabeth “Betts” Diamond of Sheboygan; a brother, William (Annette) Harrison of Sheboygan; three sisters-in-law, Evelyn Heinen, Gladys Holbrook, and Vivian Gale, all of Sheboygan; eight grandchildren, Christopher (fiancé Huimin Zeng) Harrison, Timothy Harrison, Jamie (Kyle) Gassner, Lindsay Harrison, Steven (Courtney) Pauls, Katie Pauls, Krista Olson and Thomas Olson. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by four brothers-in-law.

A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated for Chet on Monday noon, March 22, at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Sheboygan. Father John Radetski was celebrant. Following committal rites at Greenlawn Memorial Park, military honors were accorded by the U.S. Marines and VFW Post 9156. An Elks Fraternal Memorial Service was held Sunday evening.

Chet was always a very generous person, donating to countless charities during his life. His family would request in lieu of flowers that donations would be appreciated in his name to the Camp Y-Koda Outdoor Skills Center to endow “The Sponsor a Classroom Program,” RCS Empowers, or the Sheboygan Public Education Foundation to establish a scholarship fund.

Zimmer-Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (920-565-2331) is assisting the Harrison Family. Visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

Chet and his family appreciate the excellent medical care he received from Dr. Kerpe, Carrie and his staff, the Kidney Dialysis unit at St. Nicholas Hospital and the staff at Coulis Cardiology. They also want to thank the Lieus of Honolulu, Hawaii, who were like family to them, for their friendship and caring support over the years.