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Gerald Chikalla Obituary
Born June 25, 1931 in Waukesha, Wis., he was the son of Eric L. & Evelyn (Kissner) Chikalla.
In 1955, he graduated from West Point, then received his master's from Indiana University Bloomington.
He was active in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1985, including four tours in Vietnam, one in Korea and two in Germany. He was a Parachute Infantry Ranger. He attended the British Imperial Defense College in 1976 and also was Commandant of Cadets at Norwich University, Northfield, Vt.
Gerald was a charter member of the Rotary Club Durham-Great Bay, member of the American Legion Post #67 in Newmarket and also a member of the Scottish Rite.
He was an active member of the Lee Church Congregational.
He was a football assistant coach at Phillips Exeter Academy for the past 23 years.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jessie (Ely) Chikalla; two daughters, Patricia Chikalla, of Tampa, Fla., and Susan Berg, of Torrington, Conn.; two grandchildren, Audrey Berg and Eliot Berg, both of Torrington.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2008, at 4 p.m. at the Lee Church Congregational, 17 Mast Road, Lee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the NH Heart Association, 2 Wall St., Manchester, NH 03101.
Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home, Newmarket, is assisting with the arrangements.
Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guest book.
Visit the online guest book at www.fosters.com/obits
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Chikalla
69 Entries
Robert O'Brien
July 7, 2008
It is with deep sadness that I learned of Colonel Chikalla's passing. I had the honor and privilege of knowing him for three years at Norwich, and like all those who knew him, will never forget him.
He had that rare combination of a physical presence and aura that gave you goosebumps combined with a caring and compassionate personality that touched your soul.
I remember him running up the Norwich ski slope, the smell of his pipe tobacco in the hallway of Jackman Hall, his blunt words of wisdom, and his silhouette perched above the bleachers overlooking Sabine Field during our football games. During our endless PT sessions running the stairs in Plumley Armory, the Colonel would run up behind cadets and yell BREATHE!!!
His example made us all better soldiers, but more importantly he made us better human beings.
Rest In Peace, Sir.
Bob O'Brien
NU 1986
Lisa Ciccone
July 5, 2008
To the Chikalla Family:
Thank you for sharing him with so many of us. I was at Norwich and chose Army ROTC. It was not wasy as a female, but the Colonel had so many words of encouragement, that I knew I would be able to succeed. He helped to give myself and my classmates direction and for that I thank him.
Be thou at Peace,
Lisa Ciccone NU '88
Scott Lahey
July 3, 2008
Mrs Chikalla,
I visited your house in 1988 before I was to go to Korea as a new Lieutenant. The Colonel had commissioned me the year before and I was just looking for advice.
I went overseas just a little more confident after that meeting and like many have said already, tried to walk the Colonel's walk.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
The Randall Family
June 23, 2008
Dear Chikalla family,
How sad we are to hear of the news of Chik's passing. Both of you are near and dear to us, and we have many fond memories of meals in your place while we were in Lee. Dan still talks about discussing military matters with Chik in "The Bunker" with a cold beer from that contraption Chik rigged up. It is with pride Dan wears Chik's old jump wings and still polishes his boots with Chik's old brush. There was no better boot polishing lesson than from the Colonel!
Know that our love, prayers and deepest sympathy are with you.
Eric Eberhart
June 19, 2008
I never got to see as much of the Colenol as I would have liked to -- he wasn't my positions coach. I don't know, though, if I've ever been as proud as I was the day when, after my junior season, he patted me on the back and said, "Good job, Eber."
Rest in peace Colenol.
Eric Tamke (NU-84)
June 18, 2008
Dear Chikalla Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Few leave such a lasting impact. As one of the cadets at Norwich that he guided into the Army he showed us what it meant to be a true leader, and aspire to serve. I and probably others still find ourselves asking: What would The Colonel do?
Of the windows facing the Upper Parade Ground at Norwich the one you knew had someone behind it who always seemed to know what was going to happen next and how he would respond was at the west end of the 1st floor. Whether skiing up the mountain at night to check on cadets training in the snow, walking the campus on Junior Weekend, leading PT, or giving the shortest speech I ever recall (10 words) to the corps of cadets. The Colonel was part of our lives. He is missed.
George Nardi
June 14, 2008
On the field ready to go no matter the circumstances, The Colonel was the pinnacle of toughness, an example to us all. I'll admit that my favorite drill during preseason was the Colonel's: he assembled the 'no good, unskilled, worthless lot', the kids with no special teams positions, and always made us smile. The Colonel left lots and lots of people with very fond memories.
Laurie Bass Wagner
June 14, 2008
My family first knew the Chikallas when Chik served with my dad, Koy Bass, in the 3rd Division in Bamberg Germany in 1958. When my brother, George, graduated from West Point in 1969 my parents and I stayed with the
Chikallas for graduation. They were kind and gracious hosts.
Both George and my dad admired Chik tremendously. I don't remember my dad calling him anything but Chik. George, of course, called him "sir." George saw then MAJ Chikalla as the consumate infantry soldier and
warrior. I am sure he served as a role model for George when he was called to lead men in battle and ultimately give his life in service to his country.
While mom, dad and George have passed I am sure they would
join my brother, Koy III, and I in offering the Chikallas our deepest
sympathies. I have no doubt that my dad, George and Chik are sharing that special place in heaven reserved for comrades-in-arms.
Today is June 14 - Flag Day and the 233rd Anniversary of the United States Army. I can't think of a more fitting day to honor and remember COL Chikalla.
Gregory Vaughan
June 13, 2008
Dear Chikalla Family,
Although I only knew the Colonel for a year, I still remember him with warmth in my heart. He taught us with his wisdom and inspired us with the strength of his will. My deepest condolences for your loss.
John & Ariadne Sylvester & Family
June 13, 2008
I always laugh when I remember being at the Governor's Inn with my now wife, and friends of my parents. My wife was in a full leg cast after surgery, sitting on the patio. Gerry went to her and asked if she would like something else to drink or some shrimp. She of course replied yes. So he brought her the whole shrimp bowl!! I laughed and said what about everyone else and he said something to the effect of "the heck with them".
For years he tried to get me to call him Gerry, I always thought of him as The Colonel out of admiration and respect. He was a good role model for me growing up. He'll be missed.
Rob Morris
June 13, 2008
Personally, it was a pleasure and an honor to spend time with Gerry each day in the Fall, whether it be a football practice or sharing a long bus ride with him to a game - he touched many lives in powerful and lasting ways. On behalf of Cindy and me please accept our condolences. We cherish many wonderful moments visiting the old house out in Nottingham at the holidays, in the summer and on Sundays in the fall. May God comfort the Chikalla family and may Gerry enjoy the fullness of everlasting life with God.
The Sullivans-- Jim, Alane, Conor, Casey, and Curran
June 13, 2008
Colonel --
You chose to lead your life by guiding, inspiring, and befriending so many of us. We are proud to have known you. Rest in Peace.
P.S. Go easy on that yellow dog...
Julien Dumont
June 12, 2008
To the Chikalla Family,
It was an honor and a privilege to know and be coached by Colonel. Everyday on the field he taught me more about football, but more importantly life, than I could ever have asked for.
Monroe Tyler
June 12, 2008
Colonel,
You were one of the best teachers I have had at Exeter. I will remember both the help you gave me on the field, and the lessons that you allowed me to take from it.
Pat Glennon
June 12, 2008
Dear Jess and family,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. The Colonel was truly one of a kind. His selflessness was admirable, a man always willing to give. Not many are able to hold the attention of a class full of 14 year olds for any length of time yet the Colonel left my students in awe with his war stories. He has touched many of all ages in numerous ways. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
God Bless,
Pat Glennon
Pat Glennon
June 12, 2008
Dear Jess and family,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. The Colonel was truly one of a kind. His selflessness was admirable, a man always willing to give. Not many are able to hold the attention of a class full of 14 year olds for any length of time yet the Colonel left my students in awe with his war stories. He has touched many of all ages in numerous ways. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
God Bless,
Pat Glennon
Chris Anderson
June 12, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies. When I learned of Col. Chikalla’s passing, I was reminded of the impact that his life has had on me, which has continued over the past 23 years since I served under him as a member of the Army cadre at Norwich University (Mountain Cold Weather NCIOC from 1982 to 1985). Over the years I have made every effort to apply what I learned from Col. Chikalla in managing my own direct reports in the corporate world. I have also used many examples of his leadership style in workshops with hundreds of corporate and hospital mangers and executives. His leadership influence, encouragement to always drive forward, and his support will always remain with me.
Matthew Cook
June 12, 2008
Though I only spent one season practicing under coach Chikalla, 2007, I can honestly say I will remember him for the rest of my life. His calm and proud demeanor and famous quotes will always stick to my mind. He was one of the most respected and loved persons I have ever seen, and it was and honor to play for him.
Paul Keaney
June 12, 2008
I have coached Football for more than 40 years and have never met a fellow staff member quite like Gerry...his charismatic enthusiasm for the sport in particular and for youth in general made him truly unique. Judith and I rejoice in having known him.
Jose Ramirez
June 12, 2008
I have no special story about the colonel that hasn't been already shared.
I didn't know him well, only for the two years I played on the varsity team at Exeter. But in the brief moments I shared the same space with the Gerald G. Chikalla I knew he had learned to be a peaceful warrior.
I send out great admiration for the colonel's family, may his spirit live on in each of you and in all his pupils.
Grant De Roo
June 12, 2008
Everyday, no matter who the player was or how well he performed, Coach Chikalla took time out during stretches to go around and ask each one of the linemen about how their "moving parts were," how school was going, what classes were like, or if lunch was any good. He was a great coach whom we all looked to with great respect. He was a great man who dedicated his life to his country and nothing is more admirable than the service he has done for us and for our country. He was a great man and my deepest condolences go out to the Chikalla family. Thank you for everything, Colonel. Those bags are going to be real lonely without you next year.
Max Morse
June 11, 2008
Coach Chikalla was one of the greatest charchters I have ever had the privalige to know. I will miss his jokes, witty stories, and his pre-season wake-up calls. But I will remember the numerous enjoyable memories he was a part of, for the rest of my life. He was a great man.
Josh Barvin
June 11, 2008
My deepest condonlences for the Chikalla family. Coach you will truly be missed.
-Josh Barvin '05
Terence Conklin
June 11, 2008
Having only known the Colonel during the pre-season of the 2006 and 2007 seasons, I can only say that he was a man who truly brought the lessons and values of life to where all can apply them on the football field. He was truly the joy of practicing with the Varsity squad. Coach Chikalla will certainly be missed. It was an honor spending the time I could with him behind the sled.
Ebenezer Gyasi
June 11, 2008
Coach Chikalla, Colonel, as we all loved and called him by was the reason I got a chance to play football both my lower year and this past season. I was always the lineman who would go offisdes atleast once during any drill and colonel did not disappoint in saying "Dumb will kill ya." Colonel would always find me in the locker room once or twice each week and tell me how much he respected my work ethic,how much I tried, and to always keep my head up no matter what. Those words meant a lot to me, especially when I consider that he probably knew best out of any person I know, what hard work meant. A truly great man, who embodied manliness both physically and in character, Colonel will be deeply missed by all.
Bill Glennon
June 11, 2008
The Colonel was not only my fellow coach ,a man of character,a leader,a true patriot,a mentor,he was my friend.
Every day that I walk this earth and am able to do what I do for a living and help young men grow to adults of great Character...I thank the Colonel for all that he has done to guide me as a coach and a person but also for his efforts as a soldier and an Officer that affords me and my family the opportunity to be free.
God Bless and Godspeed Colonel
Bill Glennon
Head Football Coach
Phillips Exeter Academy
Brian Foley (NU '83)
June 11, 2008
To the Chikalla Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. Col Chikalla was a larger than life figure during my impressionable years at Norwich. I respect and appreciate his selfless dedication and service all these years.
Chuck Routhier (Norwich '85)
June 11, 2008
My wife and I will always remember COL Chikalla. I had the distinct pleasure of being a member of the Class of 85, the only class to have the COL for our entire 4 years at Norwich. I am sure that you played as big a part in molding future men at Phillips Exeter for 23 years as you did with us at Norwich. You will be greatly missed.
June 11, 2008
THE CHIHALLA FAMILY
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN YOUR LOSS,WE WILL MISS JERRY,HE WAS A WONDERFUL FRIEND.
FRANK & ELISE DELOACH.
MICCO,FL
George Vasiliou
June 11, 2008
My deepest condonlences for his family. Coach was an inspiration to me at the Academy and I have never and will never forget him. His words and sayings are often in my thoughts. Thank you for everything Coach! (George Vasiliou, '95)
Mark Griffith
June 11, 2008
Dear Mrs. Chikalla and Family,
it was sad to hear that COL Chikalla passed away recently. However, I will always remember him for training us to be strong leaders. He actively supported the Artillery Section at home and away games and he motivated the Senior ROTC Cadets every Friday afternoon in the Spring and the Fall with a fun run up the face of the ski slope. For these and other fond memories I am grateful. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Regards,
Mark W. Griffith
Lieutenant Colonel, Armor, United States Army Reserve
NU 1986
Jake Pueschel
June 11, 2008
The Colonel was my coach for the three years I was a lineman at Exeter. He taught me how to be tough and work through the pain. He taught me to see things through to the end. To this day I fondly quote the Colonel's unique brand on wisdom to friends and family. But, what I will remember most about the Colonel is the kindness underneath his gruff exterior with which he helped me learn to respect myself above all else.
Chris Mottau
June 10, 2008
What a truly unique man Col. Chikalla was. He touched the lives of many as a coach and fought to protect the freedoms of those same lives as a soldier. The Colonel was an unwavering mentor and a true American. He will be remembered always.
Bryan Rigg
June 10, 2008
Dear Chikalla Family,
My name is Bryan Mark Rigg and I played football under Coach Chikalla in 1990 when I was at Exeter Academy. I was always impressed by his physical strength and his leadership. In 2005, while I was teaching at Exeter Summer School, I had the opportunity to spend a day at Coach and Mrs. Chikalla's home. He met me at the door, gave me a strong hand shake and told me how glad he was to see me. I just smiled because there he was, without a shirt, smiling with his dog tags dangling around his neck. He was in incredible shape even though 73--He put most 30 year olds to shame. We had a nice time talking about military history and his time in the service. Since I was a former Marine Corps officer and at the time military professor, I appreciated his service to our country as I learnd a little about what he had actually done. Coach Chikalla's military record and service to Exeter proves he strove to help others and to make our country a better place. He was a patriot, gentleman and officer. I am proud to have known him.
Sincerely,
Bryan Mark Rigg (PEA 1991)
John B. Doty PEA 94
June 10, 2008
Even though, I only spent one fall with Coach Chikalla he had an impact on me and my fellow teammates that still lives on. Just recently I recounted some stories of my days at Exeter and of Coach. He was a man of great integrity and character that taught me much in such a short time. My condolences to the Chikalla family.
Coach, you will be missed.
Ryan Lapointe
June 10, 2008
The colonel was a great man and great coach. I will always remember his unique character and personality. He will be missed by many. My sincere sympathies.
Ned Creedon (PEA '96)
June 10, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla and Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of The Colonel's passing. He was a wonderful coach and a true role model. During my years playing for him at Exeter he taught me many lessons that went well beyond the playing field and continue to serve me well to this day. He will truly be missed. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Uthman Arogundade
June 10, 2008
The Colonel was a great mentor and a great coach. I really can't find any words right now and I am deeply saddened. I will always remember the preseason races by the pool and his witty stories. God Bless.
BG (ret) Tom and Helga Jones
June 10, 2008
Dear Jessie, Patti, and Susan,
Today Helga said to me we need to get in touch with Gerry and Jessie Chikalla. We were shocked and saddened when we Googled Gerry, to learn of his passing last Saturday. To me, he was the epitome of a soldiers soldier. As you know, he was my boss during his tour in the Pentagon and a good friend thereafter. While he saw his tour there as a necessary duty, it was always clear that he could not wait to get back with his beloved soldiers.
We have lost a great soldier and role model to soldiers and cadets, whose legacy will live on with those many hundreds for whom he was an inspiration. You have lost a husband and father in whose life you each played a major part.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob Akam
June 10, 2008
I was lucky when I attended Nowich. I had two dad's ... my own, and COL G. G. Chikalla. He developed a generation of Officers for our Army. The Citadel might have had "the Boo," but we had "Chik." Still, 23 years later, not a day goes by that I don't fondley remember him, and appreciate the lessons of life that he taught. You are in my prayers, in my heart, and part of who I am. Thank you and God bless.
Cameron Ely
June 10, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla,
I was struck with a rush of memories when I heard of Coach Chikalla's passing. He made a profound impact upon me, and I shall always remember him as a friend. He once mentioned that I was probably a distant relative of yours because of your maiden name and mine both being "Ely." That would in turn make me a relative of his, which would make me very proud indeed. My father joins me in sending his respects as he was fortunate enough to have met Coach Chikalla and seen first hand what a fine man he was. My family's prayers are with you.
Alexander Najemy
June 10, 2008
Coach Chikalla was an amazing man. We would tell stories about him, half legend half true. He was a true warrior. What will stick with me is the fantastic shape this man was in, wearing out 18 and 19 year old athletes without batting an eyelash. I was lucky I got to know him, I feel sorry for those who did not.
Jason Goodenough
June 10, 2008
To the Chikalla family,
Coach Chikalla was truly an inspirational man that I feel many of the Exeter football players aspired to emulate. To this day (I graduated eleven years ago) I quote him on a regular basis both to my wife and co-workers. My life has led me to a career in extremely high-end kitchens as a chef, and many of Coach Chikalla's expressions resonate for me now more than ever. I frequently find myself telling junior line cooks that "I'd trade you in for a yeller dog and shoot the dog," or, after someone suffers a nasty cut or burn: "Does it hurt? Swim tothe bottom of a pool, and when the bubbles stop coming up, it won't hurt any more."
Coach Chikalla was a great American and should remain an inspiration to all. I always found pleasure seeing the coach in the Exeter dining hall -- dressed in a suit -- on Sunday mornings for brunch. He will be dearly missed, although my young line cooks will experience the Chikalla style and coaching style for years to come as his style translates perfectly to my chosen profession.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Chikalla family.
Sincerely,
Jason Goodenough
A.J. Scola
June 10, 2008
The Colonel was a great football coach and mentor who implemented tough love on his players. A person of such character will be sorely missed.
Myles Bacon '98
June 10, 2008
Coach Chikalla was one of the most feared and respected people I've ever encountered in my life. A model of physical health and mental toughness, my teammates and I often swapped stories reminiscient of today's Chuck Norris comparisons. I will not say that I was very close to Coach, but I will always remember him for the time he put into PEA Athletics.
Dan Roche (NU86)
June 10, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla, Patty and Susan,
I was saddened to hear of the Colonel's passing. I was very fortunate to have had him 3 of my 4 years at Norwich. I was again very fortunate to have him coach my youngest brother at Phillips Exeter. My brother thought the world of him as well. I feel very privledged to have known such a great person. My prayers are with all of you.
BJ Winter
June 10, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla and family,
My thoughts are with you at this time. I apologize for being a bit long-winded, but hearing of The Colonel's passing inspired me to write a bit about what he meant to me.
I had the privilege of playing football for Coach Chikalla at Phillips Exeter for three years, in the falls from 1996 to 1998. Speaking the words “Coach Chikalla” sounds strange even to this day, because he was always The Colonel to us. He coached the linemen, and we knew immediately that we had never had a coach quite like him before. Proud and dedicated, he taught me about football, but more significantly he taught us the value of hard work and the importance of being a gentleman.
I am looking through the things that other people have written, and it occurs to me how I only got to know The Colonel as a football coach. Obviously, the role he played as a soldier and mentor in the army dealt with very serious times and events. I hope that people know that the afternoons he spent coaching were an incredibly valuable time as well. We were not preparing for war, and we were not putting our lives on the line. We may have been merely practicing for prep school football, but we were still young men who had the fortunate opportunity to spend time with an extraordinary man like The Colonel.
I wish his family well and I hope that they understand the impact that Gerry Chikalla had on a small portion of the Exeter community. We were linemen, unsung and hard working, and that’s exactly who The Colonel was. We never expected glory and he never expected praise. He gave us insight and he taught us life lessons. To this day, I still remove my hat whenever I sit down for a meal.
Finally, I will never forget one of his many pearls of wisdom that he taught to us. I remember it because of the way The Colonel growled when he said it, and I remember it because of the funny punchline. However, I also remember it for what it means. Just like The Colonel himself, there is much more to this maxim than what you see on the surface: “Once you jump out of that plane and realize your ‘chute won’t open, you’ve got about eight seconds to learn how to fly.”
The Colonel will certainly be missed.
Ted Cooperstein, LTC USAR, Dartmouth College 1984
June 10, 2008
COL Chikalla was an inspiration and an example to all his cadets. He especially was a welcoming sponsor to those few of us who came to Norwich Univ. to take part in his ROTC program from another campus. His legacy lives on, as his proteges mentor still more generations in the manner COL Chikalla taught and demonstrated.
Rick Johnson, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
June 10, 2008
Chikalla Family,
My deepest sympathies on your loss. I was privileged to work with COL Chikalla my senior year at Norwich. He was truly a great man who will be sorely missed. God Bless.
Steve Kramer
June 10, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla and Family,
My deepest sympathies and prayers. The COL was my commandant for my four years at NU. He was someone I truly admired and respected.
Al Mathews
June 10, 2008
The Col. was a great coach and made his football drills enjoyable. He will be missed by all past, current, and future Exeter football players. Our sincere sypathies.
Matthew Polhemus
June 10, 2008
The Colonel was a great man and he will be greatly missed. He was quite a character and he added so much to the special memories of our 2003 undefeated football season.
Andrew Heaney
June 10, 2008
I was just telling my wife a story about Coach Chikalla the other night. I have thought of him often since my graduation. He was one of the toughest looking men I ever laid eyes on, but he had an absolute heart of gold. He was a great coach, a great American, and I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Andrew Heaney, PEA 1991
COL Michael Teague
June 10, 2008
COL Chikalla was the Commandant at Norwich for my four years there. He was a great leader and teacher. He certainly left his mark on all of the cadets. Our prayers are with your family.
Peter Rogers
June 10, 2008
Dear Mrs. Chikalla and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the Colonels passing. He was a great leader and a great man and the world is a lesser place without him. He was a true mentor to me and his guidance and support made me a better officer and a better person. The Colonels wit and wisdom pulled many of us through some tough days at "The Wick." It was truly an honor knowing him and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peter Rogers, NU 85
Henry Mau NU '84
June 10, 2008
On his passing, I only hope that Col. Chikalla fully realized what a major role he played in standing for so many as the ultimate example of what made a leader. Strength and integrity with a subtle but clear love of life and people.
Jane Marmontello
June 10, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Denise
June 10, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. The Col, quickly became one of my favorite patients. He was an amazing man with lots of stories to tell. I enjoyed taking care of him. He will be missed
Janice Silver
June 9, 2008
I was very saddened to hear of the Colonel's passing from my aunt Donna Silver. Just two weeks before I sat and chatted with him at the Silver's cottage and feel very fortunate to have had an opportunity to meet and visit with such a great and accomplished man.
SCol Kittiphong Wongskhaluang
June 9, 2008
Dear Mrs Chikalla and family,
Everytimes I greeted a big man in a Col uniform on the hill, the answers had always been
"Ohhh...I'am allllll Right!". He was a true professional army officer that we, the "Cadets at Norwich" cherished and honoured. I learned to live my military career from him. I will never forget "the Big Man".
SCol Kittiphong "Kit" Wongskhaluang,RTA,NU"84
Director of the Policy and Plans,
Directorate of Joint Intelligence,
Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters,Bangkok, The Kingdom of Thailand
Greg Boisseau
June 9, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla & Family, Please accept my deepest sympathies. I was so sad to hear the news. We lost a great leader who touched so many of us! His memory lives on with me.
Virginia M Holton
June 9, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Timothy McKane
June 9, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla, Patty and Susan:
I will never forget the positive impact COL Chikalla had on a generation of young leaders while at Norwich University. A legend within the light infantry community, his selfless service and professionalism provide an example for us all. I was truly a better officer and better man having known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
LTC ( R ) Timothy McKane
Norwich, 84
susan berg
June 9, 2008
We will miss you Dad.
Karen Goodwin (Soucy)
June 9, 2008
Mrs. Chikalla, Patty and Susan,
I was sorry to hear of your loss. I think about you often when I'm at the lake or talking about the good times in the summer. I'll keep you in my prayers.
June 9, 2008
On behalf of the Rotary Club of Durham Great Bay we extend our sincerest sympathies to Jessie and daughters. Chik gave us all so very much for which we are grateful and we will miss him dearly.
Sandy Heald, President, DGBR
Patricia Chikalla
June 9, 2008
Daddy - I love you and will miss you . You are my best friend!
Love always - Patti
Larry and Connie Dudzic
June 8, 2008
Our deepest condolences to the family of Gerald Chikalla. He was our friend and neighbor.
We are grateful for his service to our counrty.
The Staff of Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home
June 7, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
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Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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