Mary Elizabeth Chesak

Mary Elizabeth (Obermeyer) Chesak took her final breath on June 20, 2026, at the age of 92. Through falling short of her goal of living to the age of 100, her zest for life kept her determined to the end. She never lost her upbeat spirit. Her thrill of travel and meeting people from near and far, and from every walk of life also never diminished, whether shopping to add to one of her many treasured collections, attending gatherings with friends, or dressing up to the nines. She always claimed that her style was “royal and sparkle”! Mary was always up for traveling the country or even overseas to visit any of her six children, twenty grandchildren, or five great-grandchildren. She is reunited with her husband, Dave, to whom she was married for 47 years until his passing in 2013, and her beloved parents, John and Alberta Obermeyer, among many other loved ones who have passed.

Mary’s childhood was pure, simple Americana. Her loving parents brought up their children with kindness and faith in God. She grew up on a farm at Pleasant Ridge a few miles east of Rensselaer, Indiana, the only girl in a family with four boys. Though her upbringing was simple, all was idyllic in her rural childhood.

Mary was baptized, received her First Communion, and was married at Saint Augustine Catholic Church, a parish that remained central to her life for more than nine decades. As an active parishioner and lay minister, she was among the first women to distribute Communion at the church and later brought that ministry to local nursing homes and care facilities.

At twenty-one Mary set eyes on the handsome man she declared she would marry, Dave Chesak. Together they built a home filled with laughter, creativity, determination, and not a little bit of chaos. While raising their growing brood, Mary supported Dave through years of his continuing education until he earned his Ph.D. in Engineering. Mary and Dave experienced both great joys and great sorrows, including the loss of five premature infants. But Mary’s resilience, optimism, and devotion to family never wavered.

As a young woman, Mary worked at Loeb’s Department Store in Lafayette, Indiana, where her small frame and natural elegance made her a favorite of the ladies’ department manager, who delighted in using her as their model, dressing her in the latest fashions.

After her children were grown, she found a perfect job as a switchboard operator at Saint Joseph’s College. She enjoyed connecting people, solving problems, and keeping the communications network running smoothly. She loved having her thumb on the pulse of the entire college community. In later years, Mary and Dave had the great honor of receiving the first ever “Sister Catherine Faye Award” in honor of their many charitable contributions to the college community.

Once married, Mary followed Dave to his various workplaces and schools, including Flat Rock, Indiana; Louisville, Kentucky; and Chauncey, Ohio. Her final 56 years were spent in the hometown she loved so dearly: Rensselaer, Indiana.

Mary loved being part of the vibrant college community that surrounded Dave’s career as a physics professor at Saint Joe’s. Faculty events, student activities, and campus gatherings suited her perfectly because wherever she was surrounded by people, she was happiest. Even at 92, Mary was a social butterfly, planning ahead so she wouldn’t miss a party, luncheon, church function, or community event.

After putting all six kids through college and finding the void of an empty nest, Mary and Dave opened their hearts even wider by welcoming exchange students to their home from countries including Brazil, Russia, and Japan. These young people became part of the family, adding new friendships, culture, and stories to the Chesak household.

In retirement, Mary’s love of travel flourished. She and Dave explored the world together. Later she continued traveling to visit children, grandchildren, and friends scattered around the world. Their travels included visits to a daughter in Russia, a son in Norway, and trips across Europe, the Middle East, and Brazil. Mary never lost her sense of adventure or her excitement about seeing someplace new. But it was in Rensselaer where she remained deeply involved in the community – through church activities, the Historical Society, the Red Hat Club, and her weekly ladies’ breakfast group. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and delighted in uncovering the remarkable stories and connections of her ancestors.

Mary will be deeply missed by family and friends near and far, and her absence will be felt in the countless places she shared her kindness, generosity, humor, faith, and friendship. This community shaped her and the generations of family whose lives she touched. All will carry a piece of her spirit forward – she will indeed leave a legacy.

She is survived by her son, David D. Chesak and his wife, Marcia; grandchildren Jessica and Marli; and great-grandchildren Harlow and Max. Her daughter, Lisa J. LaMarra and her husband, Michael; grandchildren Veronica, Vonya, Valeria, Vayla (Sister Giovanna), and Viahna; and great-grandchildren Klara, Tali, and Louie. Her son, Donald T. Chesak and his wife, Barbara; grandchildren Lindsay, Sam, and Renel. Her daughter, Lynne J. Udalov and her husband, Vadim; grandchildren Misha, Peter, Andrew, and Sasha. Her daughter, Lina G. Liberace and her husband, Robert; grandchildren Celia and Ava. Her son, Joseph G. Chesak and his wife, Hedwig; grandchild Juve, Mina, Cooper, Silvia, Maya, Terje, and Stella. She is also survived by her brothers, Bob, Tom, and Don.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alberta Obermeyer, and her two brothers, Jim and Billy.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Rosary service will begin at 3 p.m. CDT, followed by visitation until 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Augustine Catholic Church on Friday, June 26, 2026 beginning at 11 a.m. with Father Michael McKinney officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Rensselaer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Augustine Catholic Church.

Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements.