Obituary

Chet Oatman
Chet Oatman
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Chester "Chet" Oatman, (Flag Emblem) of White Lake, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital surrounded by his family. He was 96 years old. He was born on May 15, 1922, in White Lake, the youngest child of the late George and Frances (Springer) Oatman, one of White Lake's pioneer families.

Chet was the last surviving member of the White Lake High School class of 1940. When Chet was a senior forward for White Lake High School's basketball team, Antigo High School's team was invited to play against them at the dedication of White Lake's new gymnasium. The village team made local history that year by beating Antigo, not only in that game, but in the rematch as well.

Unable to afford college, Chet worked until he joined the Army Air Corps in 1943. He trained to be a pilot for B-17 bombers and received his wings as a Second Lieutenant. Soon afterward, he was diagnosed with osteomyelitis and was hospitalized for nearly a year, leaving him unable to continue military service. He was medically discharged in 1945.

Under the G.I. Bill, Chet earned his teaching degree with an emphasis in natural science from the University of Wisconsin Madison in 1949. On July 9th of the same year, he married his sweetheart, Arlyne "Penny" Wilcott, at St. James Catholic Church in White Lake. They were married for 67 years.

Chet's teaching career began in White Lake Grade School, where he also became the grade-school principal. In 1962, he went to Racine and taught at Mitchell Elementary. In 1969 he went to Riverview Elementary in Wausau, retiring from teaching in 1982. Chet's love of and enthusiasm for his profession never waned, and he remained constant in his concern for excellence in education. He highly esteemed his students and his colleagues and found great joy in giving them his unwavering support.

Chet was a talented baseball player for White Lake in the County League. He was a continuous member of the American Legion Anderson-Sather Post 524 in White Lake for 72 years. He was a founder of the Lake Association, serving on the board and participating in lake education. He and Penny were members of Four Corners Assembly of God, their beloved church home.

An avid fisherman, Chet enjoyed throwing a line in White Lake and the Wolf River. His fishing buddies over the years were his brother Myron, his father-in-law Howie Wilcott, and his son Chris. Chet also thoroughly enjoyed hunting, gardening, woodworking, art projects, making pickles and raspberry jelly and "shooting the breeze". He was a very loyal Packers, Badgers, and Brewers fan.

Survivors include two sons, Christopher Oatman of White Lake and Keith (Mary) Oatman of St. Augustine, FL; a daughter, Kim (Brian) Joseph of Antigo; six grandchildren, Scott Oatman of Eagle River, Sarah (Lenny) Orlowski of Greenfield, Stacy Oatman of Milwaukee, Anna Frommberger-Oatman of Germany, Adam (Jessie) Joseph of Tucson, Arizona and Stephanie (Christopher) Gravitter of Antigo; two sisters-in-law, Beulah Oatman of White Lake and Dolores Stanke of Antigo; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Adam in infancy, sisters, Adeline "Ads" (Rudy) Miller, LaVaughn "Sal" (Pat) Anderson; brothers, Myron "Oats" (Florence), LeRoy "Bitts" and Delore "Tony" (Dell).

Chet never forgot where he came from, and he thanked the Lord for his wonderful long life. He felt that he had received as much love in his life as any man on earth. And he, in return, cared so deeply as a family man, a teacher, a friend, and a patriot.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Four Corners Assembly of God, White Lake, with Rev. Marvin Kindle officiating. Burial will take place in St. James Catholic Cemetery, White Lake. Visitation will be Saturday, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., at the church.

The Anderson-Sather American Legion Post 524 will conduct military honors at the church immediately following the services.

Special thanks to the Pine Crest Nursing Home staff for their care and understanding so graciously extended to us all. We will never forget you.

Services

Visitation

Jul
14
Saturday
Four Corners Assembly of God Church
N3891 Cty P
White Lake, WI 54491
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

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Service

Jul
14
Saturday
Four Corners Assembly of God Church
N3891 Cty P
White Lake, WI 54491
2:00 PM

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D Dale Kirner on Jul 11, 2019

I am sorry to hear about your fathers passing. Last Night July 10, 2019 my siblings and I took my mother out for her wedding anniversary(Ambassador hotel where her wedding reception was) she was married 71 years ago .As we were eating dinner we asked her to talk about her wedding day (Dad had passed two years ago). In the conversation we asked who was dad’s best man was and she said it was Chet Oatman .I google him and found out that he passed almost a year ago to the day . My dad‘s name was Leonard Kirner Chet and dad met in college .l am Leonard son DALE

N Naomi on Jul 13, 2018

You have my deepest condolences in your loss of Chet. This is a man from a generation that saw so many things. My father passed away this last year and he was the same age. I know you will truly miss him as I'm sure he was such an encouragement to the family. Our loving Heavenly Father Jehovah also knows the pain that we are in. And that is why he has promised a beautiful hope of a resurrection. You can find this in the Bible Book of Revelation in chapter 21 verses 3 and 4. These versus may bring you much comfort.

K KAREN RADLOFF on Jul 12, 2018

DEAR FAMILY, WHILE YOUR FATHER WAS AT PINE CREST, WE HELD A MONTHLY COFFEE FOR THE VETERANS . HE USUALLY JOINED US AND WE ENJOYED HIM VERY MUCH. HE ALSO ATTENDED CHURCH SERVICES. WE WILL TRULY MISS HIM. OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOD BLESS.
WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE MERRILL V.F.W. POST 1638 & AUX.
MICHELLE RATHKE, JAN TESCH, KAREN RADLOFF

S Shauna Bourgeois Niedziela on Jul 10, 2018

Kim and Brian, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. You were such a blessing to him as he was to you. He is in the arms of our Lord and his bride, Penny! Love you guys! Sue

J J on Jul 9, 2018

M Mike Wilson on Jul 9, 2018

My deepest condolences to Chris & family; so sorry for your loss.

M Mike Wilson on Jul 9, 2018

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