Michael Chizmar

Michael E. Chizmar, 70, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, September 2nd. He was born on December 10, 1955, to Edward and Marjorie (Hillis) Chizmar.

Mike grew up in a home that was at the center of the neighborhood. His house was the gathering place for the kids on the street, with countless baseball and football games taking place on the property. Mike knew everyone. A talented football player, he proudly played for Fitch High School.

It was during high school that Mike met his wife Lori, and the two became high school sweethearts. Together, they built a family and a home that Mike took great pride in.

Mike earned his living as a roofer and started Chizmar Roofing, where he spent many years working alongside his family and close friends.

Mike spent his retirement enjoying the home he had worked so hard to build. He could often be found working on the house or creating and tending to a beautiful yard for him and Lori to enjoy together from their back porch each morning-a place they could sit together after a lifetime of growing up and growing old side by side.

If you knew Mike, you knew him simply as "Chiz." He was larger than life and had a way of filling up every room he entered. Chiz was always willing to help anyone and everyone, and you could always count on him to show up when you needed him. When he wasn't working, he could usually be found doing something he loved-gardening, hunting, spending time with his family, or building something out of his favorite material: 2x4s.

There were a few things Chiz looked forward to every year. He loved foraging hickory nuts and making Kolachi with Lori. He took great pride in harvesting his giant garlic and juicing and canning tomatoes from his garden at the end of every summer. Mike spent the last days of August doing just that-juicing and canning several quarts from this year's harvest.

Above all, Mike was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He adored his granddaughter, Violet, and treasured the time he spent with his family.

Mike is survived by his wife, Lori; his daughter, Michelle Chizmar; his granddaughter, Violet Carter; his sister, Joan Mills; and his brother, Tom Chizmar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marjorie Chizmar, and his brother, Paul Chizmar.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the friends and loved ones who supported Mike and our family throughout his journey this summer. Your love, kindness, presence, and support meant more than we can put into words.

CHIZ FOREVER.