Joseph Casimer Chesla

Joseph Casimer Chesla Jr. entered heaven on May 13th, 2022. He was born at home on the family farm in Ravenna, Michigan on February 4, 1933. He was joined by 2 siblings, Kathleen “Suzy” and Stanley “Buck” (Diane); who survive. Having a father that nicknamed everyone, he was known to his family as “Pug.”

Joe graduated from Berlin High School in 1951 as class president. He was an Air Force Sergeant in the Korean War from 1952-1956 where he spent most of his time overseas.

After returning from the war, Joe settled into a long career of self-employment. His first venture was General Adjustment Service. He also owned The Game Room in Marne, MI where you could get malts and burgers from the soda counter, race slot cars on large tracks, and play pinball. He later moved to Cadillac, MI where he got his contractor’s license and founded Jomar Builders. Over the course of his years in Cadillac he built over 80 homes and earned the nickname “Jomar.” Along with building homes he planted a tree farm and spent every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas selling Christmas trees in downtown Chicago.

When Joe entered heaven, he was met by many family members and friends, especially his parents Joseph Sr. and Helen and his son Markus Samuel. Joe is survived by his daughters Kelley (Todd) Macqueen and Jamie Williams; his sons Tim Chesla and Brian (Beth) Chesla; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews.

Please join his family for a celebration of life on Saturday, August 27th from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Marne American Legion located at 1469 Arthur Street, Marne, MI 49435. The celebration will include a luncheon, gun salute, and sharing of stories.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Marne American Legion where Joe was a lifetime member and the place where many Chesla family memories were made.