Fred Andrew Chitko Sr.

Fred Andrew Chitko Sr. passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI. He was 84 years old.
Fred was born in Chicago, the oldest of three children to Albin Sr. and Loretta Chitko. He grew up on a farm in Armstrong Creek, WI. He graduated from high school in 1958 from Goodman High School and joined the Navy where he served 4 years specializing as an aviation electronics technician on an aircraft carrier. After returning from the Navy, Fred worked for a short time in Chicago at Allied Radio.
When Fred returned back to the Northwoods, he met his sweetie, Betty Thompson and was married May 1, 1965, and remained happily married for 59 years with three children; Fred Jr., Jill and Travis.
They Moved to Kenosha where Fred worked for Anaconda American Brass. In 1967, they moved back to Laona and Fred began his almost 50-year career with Connor Forest Industries/Nicolet Hardwoods Corp. He started out as a lineman and moved up to electrician and powerhouse supervisor for the company.
Fred was an avid sportsman. Some of his favorite times were at the hunting shack and camping with his family. He always had a story or a joke to tell. He always enjoyed cooking breakfast for the crew. Fried egg sandwiches were his specialty. Fred also enjoyed watching the Packers and the NASCAR races. His favorite driver was driver was Jeff Gordon.
After retirement, Fred enjoyed watching the birds, deer, and turkeys from his living room window. He always made sure they were fed.
Fred is survived by his wife, Betty Chitko, son, Fred (Sheila) Chitko Jr., daughter, Jill (Dick) Marvin, and son Travis (Kim) Chitko. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Megan (Ross) Hopkins, Jared Milan, Marissa Milan, Madyson Chitko, Chandler Chitko and great grandchild, Callahan Hopkins, siblings, Albin Chitko Jr. and Patsy Sharnek.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Albin Chitko Sr. and Loretta Chitko. Sister-in-law, Jean Chitko, brother-in-law, Leonard Sharnek, brother-in-law, Jim Thompson and cousins, Art Kadubek and Marty Kadubek and nephews, Jack Chitko and Jimmy Aschinger.
He will be sadly missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Leonard's Catholic Church in Laona on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Father John Cerkas will preside. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at church. Burial will follow at the Town of Laona Cemetery.