Sigmund Chikowski

Sigmund “Sig” Chikowski, age 96, of Berlin, Passed away on November 18, 2023. He was born on April 28, 1927, in Princeton, the son of Andrew and Mary (Marshall) Chikowski. Sig grew up in the Princeton area and attended St. John Catholic grade school. He met his future wife Bernice Bartol at her sister Tillie’s daughter’s wedding on the farm in Princeton. The following year they were married at St. Wenceslaus Catholic church in Ripon on June 19, 1948. They started their life in Sheboygan Falls where they lived for many years as Sig worked for the Kohler Company beginning in January of 1949. In 1953 Sig was drafted into the service, serving in the Korean Conflict through 1955. After his time in the service, he returned to Kohler Company and worked an additional 35 years retiring in 1983 at the age of 55. Sig and Bernice had a hobby farm after retirement. They loved to travel, both in the United States and internationally, and also spent a lot of time with Bernice’s sister Dorothy. Sig’s favorite place he visited was Australia, where he enjoyed exploring the “outback”. They sold their farm in 1983 and moved into a duplex in Sheboygan Falls, spending winter’s in Brooksville, Florida for 27 years. In 2007 they sold their house and moved to Berlin to be closer to family. Sig was an extraordinary gardener; he could grow anything. He was an excellent card player and loved to polka dance. He was a member of the American Legion Sheboygan Falls Post #149 and was a devoted member of All Saints Catholic Parish in Berlin. He was a generous man, and a wonderful man who loved the outdoors. He and Bernice celebrated 75 years of marriage in 2023. He is survived by his wife, Bernice; sister-in-law, Angeline Chikowski; many nieces and nephews and many friends. Sig was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Donald (Lenora), Raymond (Beatrice), Victoria (Harry Melger), and Edmond Chikowski. He is further preceded in death by niece, Dorri Engebretson; and nephews, Joe and Robert Chikowski, and John Klapperich. Family and friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 9-9:45 a.m. at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home of Berlin. A rosary will follow visitation at 9:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Parish of Berlin with Father John Silva officiating. Full military honors will be presented by the Berlin Wells-Krause VFW Post #2925 following the church service. Burial will be at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Princeton following services at the church. A memorial has been established in Sig’s memory. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cooperative Care 24/7, ThedaCare Berlin ER, and medical staff including Dr. Hetzel, ThedaCare Hospice, and Country Villa for the care and compassion shown to Sig.

Sigmund Chikowski

April 28, 1927 - November 18, 2023