Roy Roland Chmela, age 99, was called to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on October 8, 2026. Roy was born in Marinette to Michael and Anna (Liebmann) Chmela and was a lifelong resident of Marinette. On November 27, 1948 he married his wife, Grace, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Marinette where he was a devout member his entire life.
He retired from Scott Paper Company in 1990 after 40 years of service. He also enjoyed working many years with his good friend, auctioneer Ed Walk; and for many years, he continued to work tirelessly on his family farm.
Roy’s faith was very strong and he loved his Lord and enjoyed attending church with his wife and family. In previous years he served his church as a part of the offering committee.
His greatest happiness came from providing for his entire family. He was always ready with helping hands and a willingness to do whatever he could to make our lives easier. One tradition that he cherished was the after church Sunday breakfasts at Roy and Grace’s. He enjoyed these get-togethers because it brought together his greatest love—his family.
Roy had many interests that included deer hunting with his sons and grandkids, gardening at the farm and in his back yard and most recently, painting and drawing. He gladly shared many of his paintings with us all. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and cheered them on enthusiastically. He loved to polka and we will fondly remember watching him take mom, or any of his girls for a spin around the dance floor, whooping along the way!
Roy is survived by children, Mike Chmela, Linda (Russ) Christensen, Kenneth (Denise) Chmela, Mary Beyer, Amy (Matthew) Vanko and Betty Jansen. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Michele, Tina, Michael, Jr., Nick, Tami, Becky, Bill, Teri, Matthew, Nathan, Angi, Vicky, Katrina, Kelly, Shannon, Amanda, Josh, Dylan, Calvin, Isaac, Chase; many great and great-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Anna Chmela; his wife, Grace; son, David Chmela; sisters, Virginia Johnson and Anita Hemminger; daughter-in-law, Linda Chmela; and a son-in-law, Thomas Beyer.
Visitation will be at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marinette on October 26, 2026 beginning at 10 a.m. and followed by a service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Josh Frailing officiating.
He received his invitation and now is dancing again with his wife.
“Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11: 28
The family would like to thank Unity Hospice, especially nurse, Tori, for their excellent care.
Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home is assisting the family.
