Kim Patrick Chilsen

Kim Chilsen, 75 of Arbor Vitae, tragically perished Aug. 30. while out on Lake Sumach, fishing with his brother-in-law.

Born on June 3, 1951 in Merrill, Wi. to Patrick and Phyllis Chilsen. He graduated from Merrill High School in 1969. Kim spent his entire career in the grocery industry, working in one capacity or another. Starting at Red Owl in Merrill during High School and then Mel’s Big Dollar in Merrill after graduation, to Cirilli’s Super Valu in Wausau.

Working as a wholesale grocery buyer, he plied his expertise at the following companies. Hub City Foods in Marshfield, 1979-1986, Maclaine Corp. in Orlando, Fl. 1986-1989, Certified Grocers in Ocala, Fl 1989-1997 ,SuperValu in Harrisburg, Pa. 1997-2004, SuperValu in Richmond, Va. 2004-2016. He was a member of the Merrill and Marshfield Lions Clubs. He was an avid bowler and golfer, and participated in a number of leagues throughout his life.

He was married in 1980 to Michelle, and although they never had any children of their own, they filled their homes with feline fur babies for 46 years.

Retirement brought him back home to northern Wisconsin in 2016, where he enjoyed hosting Fourth of July fireworks, playing cribbage with the neighbors, fishing, deer hunting, and feeding the hummingbirds, squirrels, and various other local wildlife. He was working his way to becoming a connoisseur of fine American Bourbon. His favorite place was around the campfire with a glass, solving life’s problems with his brother-in-law David.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Terry.

He is survived by his wife Michelle, sister Heidi Chilsen , brother Kelly Chilsen and niece Heather Itterman.

A family gathering to celebrate Kim’s life will be held at a later date.