Kenneth Chizek

CLEAR LAKE - Kenneth “Ken” Joseph Chizek, 68, passed away on August 16 at home after a courageous cancer battle with peritoneal mesothelioma, surrounded by his loving family.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1001 9th Ave South, Clear Lake, IA; with Rev. Josh Link officiating. Burial will be held at Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, Iowa.

A visitation will take place Tuesday, August 19 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be said at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Scriptural Wake Service. 

Ken was born on November 8, 1956, in Britt, Iowa, the son of Arthur and Lorraine (Young) Chizek. He graduated from Britt High School in 1975 and continued his education at Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa.

Ken enjoyed meeting up with friends and was known for his moves on the dance floor. The ladies (including his sisters) loved to dance with him. One summer evening, he met the love of his life, Cynthia “Cyndi” Dole, who would become his lifelong and exclusive dance partner.

On September 2, 1989, Ken and Cyndi were united in marriage at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Iowa Falls, Iowa. They made their home in Clear Lake and were blessed with three children: Kaitlyn, Michael, and Joshua.

Ken’s professional life was built on a foundation of hard work, integrity, and dedication—values he learned early while working alongside his father at Woodford Wheeler Lumber in Britt. Those years weren’t just about building materials; they were about building character. From his father, Ken learned the importance of treating customers like friends, taking pride in every detail, and doing a job right the first time. In 1989, he took over management of the Clear Lake location. In 2012, he brought his extensive knowledge of the building materials industry to Dean Snyder Construction, where he served as a Project Manager/Estimator until his retirement in 2023. Known for his attention to detail and steady leadership, Ken earned the respect of colleagues and customers alike, touching countless lives across North Iowa. 

Ken enjoyed spending time on the lake with family and friends. He taught the skill of fishing and waterskiing to all of his children. He was a skilled handyman who could fix anything, took pride in caring for his home, and lovingly taught his children practical life skills through countless DIY projects. He also enjoyed woodworking and his handcrafted wood projects and pens turned on the lathe remain treasured keepsakes for family and friends. 

His favorite summer activities included hosting friends and family for the annual 4th of July picnic and the car cruise. Ken could be found in one of his party shirts grilling burgers, switching the 8-tracks, and laughing and making sure everyone was having a good time.

A man of deep Catholic faith, Ken was a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Guided by humility, kindness, and a servant’s heart, he gave freely of his time and talents. He found joy in helping his church and community, always willing to lend a hand where it was needed. He loved the fellowship of pancake breakfasts, assisted several boys (including his own sons) with Eagle Scout projects, organized volunteer teams to work on houses for Habitat for Humanity, and participated in many service projects with the Clear Lake Noon Lions. Though he never sought recognition, Ken was honored with the Lions’ Warren Coleman Award for his dedication to serving others. 

Ken’s legacy is one of faith, love, and generosity—a life well-lived, a heart well-shared, and a steady presence that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Cyndi Chizek; children, Kaitlyn (Levi) Halfpap, Michael (Alyssa) Chizek and Joshua (Haley) Chizek, all of Des Moines; grandchildren, Beau and Tate Chizek, and Hayes and Baby Girl (due November 2025) Halfpap; his mother, Lorraine Chizek; siblings, Carolyn (Steve) Kilborn, Judy (Jim) Brozik, Gary (Sheryl) Chizek, Mary (Mark) Manness, Ray (Paula) Chizek, and Lori (Brent) Mullins; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ken is preceded in death by his father, Arthur Chizek, parents-in-law Richard and Audrey Dole, and grandson Noah Halfpap.

Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church, the St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus Council #7898, or Habitat for Humanity in Ken’s memory.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 310 1st Ave N Clear Lake ColonialChapels.com 641-357-2193