Chad Widlake

Chad Thomas Widlake, age 18, of 484 Union St, Green Lake, was called home by his Lord on Saturday, March 25, 1995, while undergoing treatment at Froedtert Memorial
Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee.

Born August 15, 1976, in Ripon, Chad moved to Green Lake in 1989. He attended Green Lake High and was a member of the Green Lake basketball team. He graduated from
Green Lake High School, an honor roll student, in June, 1994. He was known to many as “Woody”. He was a member of Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, Ripon. After graduation, Chad was undecided which career choice was calling strongest -- drafting and electronics both held special interest. While debating his choice of career, he accepted a position with Ripon Community Printers, and was employed there at the time of his death. Although his life was cut short, he managed to enjoy many special interests. He liked country music and enjoyed several live performances by some of his favorite singers. He was able to go on numerous camping trips with his family. Chad enjoyed fishing and hunting trips with his step-dad and knew the thrill of catching salmon on Lake Michigan and getting his first deer. Chad enjoyed many hours with his dog, “Bear”, going for long walks in the summer and relaxing in front of the TV at other times, while Bear listened to the bleep of video games as Chad played Nintendo.

Chad also enjoyed “tinkering” with new ideas. He could often be found experimenting with his latest gadget in the workshop. He was always finding ways to make life easier for those around him. Chad has left us much too soon. But the memory of this very caring and compassionate young man will live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.

Chad is survived by his parents; Robert and Carrie Malzhan of Green Lake; his maternal grandparents, Walter and Ginny Dahlke of Ripon; his sister, Mrs. Heidi (Scott) Smith of Ripon; his uncle: Gary (Cathy) Dahlke of Oshkosh; step-brother, Robert (Penny) Malzhan II of Lamartine; step-brother, Brad Malzhan of Green Lake; step-sister, Mrs. Beth (Darrin) Schultz of Ripon; 2 nieces and 3 nephews, Melanie and Ian Malzhan of Lamartine, Christopher and Cassie Malzhan of Ripon, and Dakin Schultz of Ripon; as well as many loving members of an extended step-family. Chad is also survived by his father: Thomas (Tammy) Widlake of Ripon; paternal grandparents: John and Emily Widlake of Ripon; half-brother and half-sister: Clinton and Melissa Widlake of Ripon; uncle: William Widlake of Oshkosh; one niece: Bonnie Widlake of Oshkosh, and a great-aunt: Grace Jones of Ripon.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 28, from 5-8 P.M. at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon.

Funeral services for Chad Thomas Widlake will be held at 10:30 A.M.,Wednesday at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, Ripon. The Rev. James D. Mohr will officiate, and interment will be in Dartford Cemetery, Green Lake.

Please visit www.butzinmarchant.com to send on-line condolences.