Timothy “Ted” James Chesney
CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP - Timothy “Ted” James Chesney, 80, of Portage passed away on May 1, 2025. He was born on April 11, 1945, the son of Jack and Mary Jane Chesney.
Ted was a proud Marine and he carried that sense of discipline and dedication throughout his life. In his younger years, he led an Explorer Post, helping guide and teach young people. He was active in his community and a longtime volunteer at the Portage Food Pantry. He also made 30 trips to Haiti with the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project, helping where help was needed.
As a small business owner of Cascade Mountain Pattern for 27 years, he developed many skills and relationships. Ted loved to tinker, always working on a project, even if it didn’t always get finished. He had a real talent for fixing things and coming up with creative solutions. Never afraid of a challenge, he was always ready to help someone or offer advice. Rarely one to throw anything away, he believed in finding new purpose in old things.
As an active community member, Ted belonged to several groups including: the Badger Area Technical Society, Badger Gas and Steam Engine Club, Baraboo Cruisers and the Midstate Jeepster Association. He enjoyed restoring and showing off his 1949 Jeepster, attending car shows and spending time with fellow enthusiasts.
Exploring was another passion of his, he and his wife Barb loved taking backroad drives. Ted liked meeting people, spending time with friends and being with family. One of Ted’s favorite places was the family spot in northern Wisconsin, where many great memories were made, swimming, canoeing and relaxing around the fire.
That was Ted – One of a kind.
He was proud of the life he built and the people in it. Ted was loved by his family and friends and he will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barb and their three sons, Ben, Toby (Betsy) and Josh. He was a proud grandfather to his grandson Graham, son of Toby and Betsy. Ted is also survived by siblings Lynn, John (Val) and Jim (Susan), sister in-law Terri and Barb’s brother Bob (Liz). He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Donna (Moose), brother Jerry and brother in-law Robert.
Please join the family of Ted Chesney as we celebrate his life on Saturday, July 26th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Caledonia Town Hall, located at N5479 Beich Road, Portage, WI 53901.
Come share your memories and celebrate Ted with us. This will be a casual gathering – just a time to remember.
Please consider a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Ted.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Kosoff (oncologist) and the St. Croix Hospice team for their care and guidance.
Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, is assisting the family.
