Alan Chechik

1934 - 2025

Alan Paul Chechik, 91, passed away on December 24, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, stories, kindness, warmth and a few respectable golf scores. Al was born on October 13, 1934, the eldest son of Samuel and Ernestine Chechik. Al grew up with a passion for sports and sports cars, followed baseball and basketball and held a special fondness for the Packers and Badgers.

A stellar writer, Al graduated in Journalism from UW-Madison but tabled his writing ambitions to serve in the Army. Stationed in Nuremburg, Germany, he became an expert marksman and bought his "dream ride", a 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster. Al married Diane Craig, then moved to Wausau where he was a sportswriter, and where they welcomed their son, Marc. The four Chechiks (the Speedster was truly part of the family) returned to Madison where they (Al and Diane, specifically) welcomed Son #2, Joel. While a noble profession, Journalism wasn't going to pay the bills, so Al worked for many years at Stephan & Brady Advertising, then became Vice President of Public Relations at the Wisconsin Hospital Association. He was also an adjunct journalism professor for the UW-Extension.

Al was a dedicated, thoughtful, funny and compassionate dad. He taught his boys about car racing, fueling their love for Hot Wheels and go-kart races at the fabled Peppermint Park. He instilled the significance of Vince Lombardi, Ray Nitschke and, of course, Bart Starr, whom they met. He (Al, not Bart) supported the boys in their sports, championing a healthy respect for sportsmanship and proper grammar.

In 1985, Al married Margret Rdzak. They built the charming Artesian House Bed and Breakfast in Bayfield. After Margaret passed in 1996, Al continued to manage the B&B for nearly 20 years with a surprisingly spotless health inspection record. Al met and married Chana Hilger. They moved to Washburn, where Al enjoyed kayaking, biking and trips into town for a burger and beer. He savored his rare cribbage, chess and Scrabble wins over his sons and grandchildren, who he loved and taught the joys of running a B&B, like seeing a table of strangers become friends over a breakfast of potentially undercooked eggs.

Al cherished time with Marc and Joel, notably accompanying them on a 75th birthday trip to Elkhart raceway for an invigorating day of not-quite-F1 racing. The trio also had many golf outings at Glenway and Odana, which were filled with laughter, lost balls and some truly horrific golf.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Ernestine, his sister, Gail (Wenocur); second wife, Margaret; and daughter-in-law Sara (Bacon-Chechik). Al leaves many great memories, moments and cribbage-related debt with his surviving family: his wife, Chana; his brother, Michael (Laura); his sons, Marc (Kathleen) and Joel; his stepdaughters, Rachael, Lauri and Kristin; grandchildren: Lucy, Sonya, Sam, Anna, Paulo, Soraya, Finnegan and Owen; his brother-in-law, Stan; and many nieces and nephews.

Al's ashes will be spread liberally at the 9th tee box at Glenway, home of many hooks, slices and laughs.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, please consider spending a few minutes with someone battling late-stage dementia. They may not remember it, but they will feel it in their heart.