Worzella, Chester J. “Chet”

A worship service of witness to the resurrection will be held  on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 2:00 PM at CROSSROADS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH; 6031 West Chapel Hill Road, corner N. Green Bay Road  and W. Highland Road in Mequon for Chester “Chet” Worzella who died from pancreatic cancer on July 21, 2012. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until time of services with the Rev. Bruce P. Greenough officiating. 

Chet was born in Milwaukee on August 4, 1942. He was one of twelve children born into the family of Leo and Lillian (nee Skibba) Worzella. He graduated from Auburndale High School in 1960, UW Stevens Point in 1969 and the MATC School of Photography in 1973. 

Chet founded Worzella Photography in 1974 in Thiensville. In 1988 the photography business moved to its current facility in Mequon. He was a well respected photographer and touched many lives with his portrait work. Amy (a former employee) and Kyle Sturkenburg now own and operate the business. 

Chet was active in several groups, Jaycees, Optimists Club, M-T Chamber of Commerce, T-M Rotary, Wisconsin Professional Photographers Association and other volunteer organizations. As a member of Stony Hill Church he was active in Bible studies, Haiti mission outreach and adult-child mentoring. He had a calling for Christian evangelism. 

In 2005 the Mobile Missionary Assistance Program (MMAP.org) became his passion. He and his wife Marlene volunteered their time traveling the country building churches and being a part of Christian work projects at various facilities nationwide. Chet found great joy in working on mission projects and in serving the Lord. He wore a little inscription in his hat that read “I’m third” and would explain to anyone who asked its meaning, saying; I’m third, family and friends are second, Jesus Christ my Savior is first.” Mission work led him to Haiti in 2007 and 2008. Work mission teams from Stony Hills Church continue to carry on this legacy. 

Chet’s life was directed by his love for the Lord. He was a compassionate, humble man with a quick wit. He believed in returning the Glory to God for any accomplishment. In retirement he became skilled in the art of woodworking/furniture building. When he was no longer able to travel to do mission work, he built and donated his woodworking to churches for mission fund raising and for other charitable fundraisers. 

Chet is survived by his loving wife of forty three years Marlene (nee Bulgrin), their daughter Brook (Dick) Best, grandson Chet “CJ”, son Blair Worzella and his eight remaining siblings. 

A heartfelt thank you to family, friends and medical personal for your exceptional care and support during the past three and a half years of Chet’s illness. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Stony Hills Presbyterian Church -  Haiti work mission are appreciated.