Walter John Chilsen, a 24-year Wisconsin senator, to be event's center of attention

TOWN OF WESTON - Colleagues, friends and family of Walter John Chilsen, who served for 24 years as a state senator, will hold a celebration to honor his time as a public servant.

Chilsen, 94, also has served for 17 years on the board of the town of Weston, which borders the village of Weston. He's retiring from that role at the end of December. The Town Board is playing host for the reception, which will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the courtroom of the Everest Metro Police Department, 5209 Mesker St., Weston. 

The event is open to the public, said Milton Olson, town chairman.

The event will honor decades of Chilsen's work. "If you Google Walter John Chilsen, you will see that his entire life has been in public service," Olson said.

RELATED: Walter John Chilsen's war experience chronicled in book

RELATED:This group inspires Wausau area to 'Be Amazing'

Chilsen said he's enjoyed his time on the Town Board, but "I'm getting to an advanced age, and it's increasingly difficult to get to the meetings. That's one of the main reasons I decided to wrap it up."

A native of Merrill, Chilsen joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He became a bombardier on a B-24 and was injured when his plane crash landed in the ocean off of Saipan during the battle for Iwo Jima.

After the war, Chilsen would become the first news director and anchor for WSAW-TV 7, then known as WSAU-TV. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasting Museum's Hall of Fame in 2005.

Chilsen, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin Senate in 1966 and served there until 1990. And he's been involved in many public service activities throughout the years. With his wife, Rose, he helped found the local food pantry The Neighbors' Place. 

"His leadership and willingness to work with both parties is one of his (strongest) traits," Olson said. "He is very thoughtful and is able to see the big picture for what what is best for everyone in the state and the town of Weston."

Chilsen said he appreciates that sentiment, and returns it to Olson.

"Milt Olson is extremely knowledgeable and thorough," Chilsen said. "It's been just tremendous (working with him.)"