Chester “Chet” John Resko, age 84, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren after a courageous battle with liver cancer.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 16, 1940, Chester was the beloved son of John Leo Resko and Tecla “Tillie” Barbara Kier Resko. He graduated from Wells High School and later earned an associate degree from Butler Community College.
Chet proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1978, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. His service took him across the globe, including Japan, Thailand, Norway, and several stateside locations. It was in Kansas where he met the love of his life, Billie Elaine Williams. They married on February 20, 1965, and shared many cherished years together until her passing in 1989.
Following his military career, Chester worked as a Senior Technical Writer for Raytheon Beechcraft, where he was respected for his precision and dedication. Raised in the Catholic faith, Chester attended Catholic grade schools in Chicago and remained spiritually grounded throughout his life.
A man of many passions, Chester was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Oklahoma football, and KU basketball. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, fishing, bowling, and spending time with his grandchildren. Known for his love of spicy food and photography. Chet owned many motorcycles throughout his life and embraced the open road.
He supported causes close to his heart, including the Kansas Humane Society and Planned Parenthood.
Chester is survived by his brother-in-law Sonny Leonard; children Gig Resko (Teresa), John Resko (Diana), Donica Murphy (Chris), and Leah Aylward (Brian); grandchildren Amanda Hoover, Michaela Resko (Bill Guinn~Fiance), Devin Resko (Jami White~Fiancee), Troy Resko (Alyssa), Logan Murphy (Michaela), Grant Murphy, Samantha Day, Cheston Resko (Kailee Hays~Fiancee), Bethany Aylward, Aidan Aylward, Sasha Aylward, Dalton Holmes, Garrett Holmes, and Sarah Lohrengel (Carter); great grandchildren Caiden Whisler, Kaylin Whisler, Hazel Day, William Day, Whitley Day, Lyla Resko, Brenin Hoover, Brantlee Hoover, Brayton Hoover, and Baby Lohrengel; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Chester’s beloved pets, Styx and Maggie, were constant companions and brought him great joy.
He was predeceased by his parents, wife Billie, sister Catherine Wroda, and sister Mary Leonard.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chet's memory may be made to Kansas Humane Society, 3313 N Hillside St, Wichita, Kansas 67219 US, https://kshumane.org/.
