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Chester Franklin Luce, 95, has moved to another venue, as of Tuesday, December 17, 2024. He was born at home on January 17, 1929, in Alfred Station, NY; sharing this birthdate with “Popeye” who made his debut in Chester, IL. He was the sixth of eight children born to Elliot and Ruth (Repe) Luce. Chet grew up in Winneconne, WI where he graduated from high school in 1946. He served with the U.S. Army in Japan/Korea in the Army of Occupation. After graduating from the Wisconsin State College (now UW-Oshkosh) in 1952. On July 18, 1953, Chet married Rose Ann Sutter at First Presbyterian Church in Winneconne, WI. They enjoyed 70 years together before Rose Ann preceded him in death in 2023. Chet started his work career as a high school teacher, then changing careers, becoming a social worker for Outagamie County and then the State of Wisconsin. He retired in 1990 as the Regional Supervisor of Quality Control in northeastern WI. In retirement he did volunteer work, was an avid reader and traveled extensively, his favorite countries being Egypt, Iceland, Australia/New Zealand. Some of the travels included genealogical research, done by him and Rose Ann. Much of the research was done in WI, NY, KS, Ireland and Switzerland. He was able to trace his maternal ancestors back to the Mayflower.

Chet is survived by: his two sons, Daniel (Kimberly) of Bossier City, LA; and Gary of Appleton, WI; one grandson, Anthony (Danielle) Suarez of Eliot, ME; two great-granddaughters, Lucy and Louisa Suarez; along with several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents and wife, Rose Ann, Chester was also preceded in death by all of his siblings, Francelia (Clarence) Hintz, Allen (Mary Bretney) Luce, William Luce (MIA in WWII), Ruth Ann Zahn, Charles (Delores) Luce, Donald (Mary) Luce and Nona (Richard) Blank.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. at St. James United Methodist Church 100 W. Capital Dr. Appleton. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 7 at 4:30 p.m. with Pastor Ben Morris officiating. Military honors will follow. Inurnment will be in Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Winchester, WI.

A memorial fund is being established for American Cancer Society or St. James United Methodist Church where Chet was a member since 1965.

Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family. If you wish, please submit online condolences/memories to muellerfh.net.