Henry Anton Chesko

Mr. Henry Anton Chesko, 94, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 11:35 am Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Knox County Nursing Home.

He was born February 6, 1922 in Riga, Latvia, the son of Walter and Else Chesko and immigrated with his parents to the United States as a very young child. Henry became a naturalized citizen in 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In 1951 he married Nova G. Specht of Galesburg and they later divorced. In 1971 he married Ruth Ann Howarter in Galesburg and she preceded him in death on April 4, 1994.

He is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Chesko (husband Russell Steinbach) and Susan Kurfman, and two sons; David Chesko (wife Janet) and Markus Chesko. He is also survived by four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Henry retired as an Engineer from Burlington Northern Railroad in 1982. He was also a self-employed mechanic, operating two separate auto repair shops in the Galesburg area.

Henry belonged to the Galesburg Radio Control Modelers Club and the National Academy of Model Aeronautics. He was a licensed pilot for many years and commissioned as a 1^st Lieutenant and pilot with the Civil Air Patrol. Henry was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Henry was a lifetime member of the Alpha Lodge #155 of the Masonic Order, celebrating more than 50 years as a Mason. He was a past member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Union; an active member of the Chapter 1267 of AARP; volunteered as Boy Scout Troop Leader and the YMCA.

Henry joined the Galesburg First Church of God in 1960 and remained an active member and volunteer “handy man” until declining health limited his activities.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:30 am Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Dennis McQuown will officiate. Visitation will be 10:30 to 11:30 am at the chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Galesburg First Church of God. Online condolences may be made to www.h-p-w.com