Chet and I had a number of things in common: we loved our Catholic faith, but not the dogma; we enjoyed a good game of King’s Corner, even if he beat me regularly; we both attended Marquette University; he was a faithful partner at St Stephens Shelter; and we had wonderful conversations about the meaning of life. It’s been 4 years and I still miss his presence among us.

Dad's memorial tree white pine has its first seed cone. What a joy to see that!

Chet, we miss your incarnate presence among us but look forward to the reunion in the hereafter forever. Hoping to join you and Donna in the game you loved.

Snow falls softly through the woods on the anniversary of your passing, a ritual of the season transitioning. Dancing, orange flames through the glass of a wood stove in the foreground complete the scene. Thought of you, Dad.

Many fond memories!

How appropriate to remember Chet now. We’ll serve at Loaves & Fishes tomorrow, and think of how Chet often served others. Love to the Mirocha family, Stephanie & Greg

Dad, your memory lives strong.

11/14/21–I was just thinking of Chet the other day—remembering some of our times together, the way he so freely shared his friendship and wisdom. And, of course, our many games of Kings Corners. Grateful to have had him in my life.❤️

The current chilly, below zero temps, caused me to remember yesterday the Nemadji Hilton ski adventures. More than once on Saturday morning, the thermometer would show a -20 reading. An extra layer of clothing was added (including Al’s red socks) and off we’d go for a day of happily tromping through the woods. Chet was a regular attendee, while for most one trip to the “Hilton”, a very meager hunting shack, was adequate. Well done, my friend, Chet!

Dad, Leo and I remembered you today by going on a bike ride. We got some Mexican hot dogs and followed your route down 18th St to the Loop running along the Santa Cruz River. I rode Blackie, who is in very good condition with new tires and 60 lb of pressure. Leo has the descendant of the bike you bought him. (I replaced the one that was stolen) We plan on making more trips so Leo can get back in shape--he's been watching too much computer screen time. Love,
Paul and Leo

Thank you, Dad, for sharing your spirit and life with me on earth for 58 years. I miss you so much. My love shines with you.

Many fond memories of our adventures together!
Rest In Peace my friend!

Today was the official farewell to Chet. He would have enjoyed every aspect of it, from the music and readings, to the tributes and luncheon (awesome soup!).  The Donna-crafted knitwear brought extra warmth to the occasion. In the 30-ish years I’ve known Chet, it’s always been humbling to call him my friend. I call him an old friend for several reasons, one being he’s from my parents generation. We first met when he led a weekend bike trip in southwestern Wisc. in the late 80’s. Donna was in Chicago visiting her very ill sister.  The hills were tough and the scenery from the summits breathtaking. On my first Nemadji Hilton trip, most of the group headed north Friday morning. Chet waited until I finished work and then guided me by moonlit wooded trails to the hunting shack “Hilton”. During the Mirocha led trip to Windy Lake, their efforts were renamed F.A.R.T. ( frugal and recreational travel). A gentle man, when we had formed different views on a topic, he conceded with a “Maybe you’re right”. Skiing at the invitation only Duncan’s cabin, Chet did his best to orient our group back to the cabin. His efforts earned him an affectionate nickname of “old stone face”. Besides a love of the outdoors, we bonded over our Wisconsin roots and Polish heritage. He often told single guys in the ski club to find a Polish bride because “they stick”.  Chet and Donna were members of a small off shoot of the North Stars. The twelve of us would meet for extra biking, hiking or skiing, then enjoy a meal together. Those outings took place for over twenty years. Today’s reading about the mustard seed will keep me wondering how the efforts of our favorite plant pathologist will keep growing. 

I knew Chet through the North Star Ski Touring Club. He loved Nordic skiing and was good at it. All of us old-timers at NS will miss him. To me, he was one of the nicest people I knew, as was and still is his beloved wife Donna.

I first met Chet at the St. Stephen's shelter for homeless men in 1993. We were both volunteering there, but neither of us had a regular partner for our overnight gig. We immediately hit it off, two Polish boys from Milwaukee with similar backgrounds. We ended up volunteering together at the shelter for approximately 23 years, seeming to balance each other's traits; Chet was the compassionate one, I was a by-the-rules kind of volunteer. Our main objective was to be supportive of the overnight guests that frequented the shelter. Over numerous card games and many theological discussions, we became good friends, or if you want, he became a brother to me. He eventually joined my spiritual community, the Spirit of St. Stephens Catholic Community and through that organization, eventually joined a men's spirituality group called the Bearded Wonders or "Old Geezers". A person never knows why or how a friendship is formed; you merely have to be open to that experience. I am so grateful that our paths crossed in life. Chet lived a good life; rest well, My Friend.

It was very sad to hear the news of Chet (or should I say Professor Mirocha) passing away. He was a person who influenced my life a lot. I was working in his lab as visiting young scientist from far away Poland for a year in 1994/95. Science should be based on Master – disciple relation in terms of development of young scientist. He was a true Master. A person, whom I admired and still do as scientist, whose papers were (and still are) a quintessence of sound scientific work and with whom was a honour, but overall a pleasure, to work with. A chance to meet him and work with him was one of the very few milestones that I value most in my life and he was a person who made a major impact in my life as a scientist.
However, not only was he a scientist. I remember him as avid and devoted biker, who was hard to follow on a trail, despite over 30 year age difference between us. He still is my bike hero till these days (my love in biking started because of him). I also admired his decision to quit science to have more time for the social work and other things in life you miss staying too long in the lab… 

I acquainted with Dr. Mirocha in 1966 when we had the first US-Japan Seminar on plant host-pathogen interaction. He was the organizer of US-side at the age of 36 indicating his superior leadership in scientific community. During the seminar, I served as an interpreter and he always called me “Ouchi-san’” in Japanese style when help was necessary. He was also the organizer of the 2nd US-Japan Seminar held in Honolulu,HI, in 1970. He was indeed a great scientist with highest integrity, always caring about other persons in these gatherings. The US-Japan Seminars he organized first was extended to the eleventh which was held in 2015 in Japan. I attended all these seminars and always announced that this series of seminar was started with the great leadership and effort of Dr. C.J.Mirocha. Now he has gone and we all miss him.

Sincerely

Seiji Ouchi

I had no idea that when we moved into our house 35 years ago, that we would be so blessed to have Chet & Donna as our neighbors.
Chet’s enthusiasm for life was remarkable. I remember being out in front of my house at 5:30 am getting ready to go running with my other neighbor, Molly. Chet would whiz by us on his bike heading out for one of his long rides. He certainly motivated us!
Chet was such a wise and thoughtful man who appreciated everything in nature. Several years ago I planted a Japanese Maple tree for him on “his side” of the garden. He loved that tree, 2 years ago it died because of the harsh winter. So I planted another one for him, hopefully a little more hardy. I know he is watching over it, I’m hopeful the tree will keep growing for many, many years.
This past summer when he was ill, he was driving down the driveway as I was working in my garden. He rolled down the window and said, “ When I see you working in your garden, I know that everything will be right in the world.” He always made me smile and think!
I have many wonderful memories of Chet that I will always cherish, he certainly enriched my life.
I will miss him very much, Judy Johnson

It was very sad to hear and learn that Chet left us. I had a honor and real pleasure to know Chet. He was terrific friend with tremendous knowledge, fantastic ideas and huge diligence. He was a real hard worker but he always knew how to use leisure time to rest, being active as well. Chet was very special person and his death is very sad loss for all of us here in Poznan, Poland - we will miss him very much.

Chet was one of the finest men I've ever known. He dedicated his life to others both personally and scientifically. He was a faith filled man of integrity who followed his conscience in life. He was a friend and mentor to many and a model for the young. We knew Chet and Donna for over forty years and always valued their friendship. Two of my favorite memories of Chet were cross-country skiing with him in Como Park late at night. and seeing him at Mass after he had cycled to Stillwater for breakfast! What an inspiration...

I always thought of Chet as my role model as he was a kind person and a loving spouse. He spoke calmly, showed curiosity about different cultures, demonstrated compassion for the underprivileged, traveled the world, and stayed physically active. My very best wishes for the family, Satoko Suzuki (Julie’s friend)

Chet was my brother-in-law, he married Donna, sister of my late husband, Al. Our families were always close, especially when we were all first married and when we had young children. There was a time where we even lived close to each other in California: Mirochas in Sacramento and Kulczyckis in San Jose. I remember many happy times and holidays together.

And our families were consistently together at big events, weddings, major anniversaries and reunions.

Chet was a great brother -in -law, social and personal, devoted to his family, passionate about helping the needy and enthusiastic about his research and teaching.

In recent years, we especially enjoyed seeing Chet and Donna here in Tucson when they visited in Paul, Christina and Leo in the winter.

We will all miss Chet's special sparkle and warmth.

During the many years that I have known Chet it had become very evident how much Chet loved his Donna and the the kids. He was a loving husband and a good father, a fine example of a “good man”.

What an amazing life! Uncle Chet will be missed and remembered! 

Chet was a gentle man. His words where well thought through, not wasted, marked with grace. Being in a lake cabin association saw him speak for the protection of the ecosystems and betterment of land management practices. He spoke for the under recognized members of the ecosystem, a great advocate of the jack pine forest. He had a winning smile that made his eyes sparkle, and put at ease those to whom he was talking. Meeting on walks in the woods he was happy in the midst of the trees, delighted in their company.

Mil gracias, Chet, for all your contributions to humanity, including your amazing family. Julie, as a person, and her "Chet" / "Donna" stories, have always inspired me, and motivated me to grow as a person. I appreciate you and your influence so much. Love and condolences to the Mirocha family. 

I have known Chet since before he married my sister! Our relationship began with my seeing him as an older brother. It ended with him being the caring caregiver for me sister. For all this I am grateful.

What a wonderful man! Really a sage. Chet delighted and inspired us in the men's group (the Geezers) with his reporting on his travels, causes and metaphysical musings. His legacy is rich and sustaining. 

It is a fearful thing to love

It is a fearful thing to love
what death can touch.

A fearful thing to love,
hope, dream: to be --
to be, and oh! to lose.

A thing for fools this, and
a holy thing,
a holy thing to love.

For your life has lived in me,
your laugh once lifted me,
your word was gift to me.

To remember this brings a painful joy.
'Tis a human thing, love,
a holy thing,
to love
what death has touched

By Chaim Stern

Chet lived life as his conscience informed him. Whether volunteering at the shelter or leading nature walks in Como Park Chet's life was about making things better.  Goodbye neighbor.

Tim and I were lucky to have had Chet as our next door neighbor for many years. He was always ready to chat and talk about interesting things! We loved learning from him all about the trees in Como Park! We admired his dedication to biking and skiing and his love of nature! We shared many conversations about the joys of living in Como Park and keeping our park user and family friendly! He genuinely cared about the trees and taking care to preserve and protect them to keep the neighborhood beautiful. We will miss him and send loving thoughts and prayer to Donna and the whole family.

Chet, our Dad, has always "spoken for the trees," what they give to us and teach us. To honor this legacy, we intend to "plant" a tree in Como Park preferably, or elsewhere in St. Paul, in honor of Chet's love for and dedication to trees. Next week I will post an article here (in the Stories section) about Dad's Tree Treks in Como Park, and his involvement with the City of St. Paul as a tree advocate and promoter. A tree planted in his honor will be a fitting memorial to his legacy. 

If you would like to contribute to Chet's Memorial Tree fund, please go to the STORIES section to find: Chet's Tree Fund. 

Chet lived by the values expressed in the Gospel. He proclaimed in word and deed a preferential option for the poor and marginalized in our world. We loved his indomitable spirit which is prophetic in our times. 
  He and Donna taught my wife, Anna to play bridge. That speaks volumnes if you know the game and Anna with all its nuances for life. You go ahead; we will follow.
 Our life and love is better for having known you. Watch over us all until we meet again in Love forever.

So sad to hear of Chet’s passing.  While we could not interact much for the last 15 or so years, thanks to my moving 1500 miles away, I can never forget all of the outdoor activities we enjoyed together for so many years. Early in my career at Minnesota, Chet became a good friend. I appreciated his initiating skiing outings at some of the better cross-country trails in the area. There were several of these outings, each winter for a number of years. And we would also ski locally for day trips.  We seemed to be well matched. Chet was older, but more fit and competitive. I had the benefit of youth, but I was less fit and more laid back than Chet. We always seemed to get tired and rest at about the same time along the trail.  I kind of wonder if he was decent enough to accommodate me, but he never let on. 

Chet and Donna and my wife Jo Ann and I also helped organize several group winter weekend ski trips to Camp Du Nord above Ely and to Itasca State Park. Anybody in the Department was invited, and a lot of people came. It seemed to be always very cold. One year,  a number of us were on a day-long ski into the (then) Boundary Waters Canoe Area. There were some trails, mostly portages, but it was necessary to ski the river in places.  At one point I was leading the group,  breaking trail, when the ice gave way, and I found myself chest deep in water. Luckily my ski encountered a log or something and I was able to pull myself out with the help of the ski poles.  About this time Chet went through close to shore and soaked his boots and ankles. So, it was late afternoon, and the two of us decided to make haste for home. We flew, but my wool pants became frozen stiff, and both of us had cold feet. We made it, luckily. I was on the verge of hypothermia. The rest of the party continued on our planned loop and made it as well. 

These are kinds of adventures that I was able to engage in thanks to Chet. Some would say it was foolish, but in general we were quite careful. 

I was also into long-distance cycling. I could do 100 miles in a day in my youth. I biked to work, about 3.5 miles every day, even in winter, and back, for 40 years, including biking to school about 20 miles round trip to reach both campuses. Chet also biked, and we would often bike together. He always warned me to be alert to frustrated or aggressive drivers on Monday mornings or Friday afternoons (or, to be safe, other times). Good advice. Luckily we did not have bad traffic where we biked to work. 

We started to do some long-distance bike rides. We rode in Aitkin County where the Mirochas had a cabin, in SW Wisconsin along the St. Croix River—very hilly.  And I am sure I have forgotten some of our day trips.  Later, Dr. Frank Pfleger from the Department joined us on several bike trips in the area around Pine and Carlton counties where I had a place. Very nice. 

Chet always had a plan for hiking near where the American Phytopathological Society met in late summer. And it always included others who might like this kind of activity. There are two that I remember. We had meetings in Salt Lake City. Chet rented a car and he and I and Frank Pfleger drove into the S. Cottonwood Canyon to where two huge ski areas were. We hiked around the Wasatch Range for two days. I suppose we went back into town for the night—I can’t remember. The other trip was when we went from Portand OR up the Columbia River to White Salmon and up into Washington to a cabin owned by Chet’s son, Andrew. We ended up hiking up a trail into the Gifford Pinchot NF. I believe it was Indian Heaven Wilderness. Lots of huckleberries, which I had grown to love in my 1965 summer in Idaho. All of these experiences made me decide to move out here after retirement 

In summary, Chet Mirocha was a huge influence in my life, and I will always remember him fondly.  

I remember Chet at coffee hour, always willing to talk with graduate students. He was interested in canoeing, and in cross country skiing, asking about good places to go. He was also fond of sharing a factoid from his research that “urine is sterile u til it leaves the body!”  He was one of the first faculty to show a young graduate student a human side.  I am proud to have known him.

I worked in the Department of Plant Pathology office with Debra Drange from August 11, 1980 to November 21, 1997. I had the pleasure to work with Chet Mirocha on helping him with typing his manuscripts to get them ready for publication using the Olivetti word processor and later the computer. I also helped Chet with typing the paperwork to get his grants out the door for his research. I always remember Chet and Donna MIrocha enjoying the punch that I made for the annual Department of Plant Pathology Christmas Parties.

I remember the cross-country ski trip to Ely, Minnesota with Chet and Donna Mirocha and the various faculty and staff members from the Department of Plant Pathology. I remember when the lead cross-country skier went through the ice/water and we had to change our direction on the trail to get back by bush whacking through the dense woods, which seemed to go on forever.

I ditto Debra Drange that Chet cared about people and made them feel as an important individual.

I introduced myself to Chet’s daughter Stephanie Mirocha at the 2019 Minnesota State Fair where she shared with me on her father and mother’s health problems.

It is very sad to see Chet leave us but I know he is now in a better place with no more suffering. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers and give Donna a big hug from me as well.

I was very sad to hear the news of Chet passing away. I met Chet September 16, 1974 when I began as receptionist in the Department of Plant Pathology. Chet was one of the first professors that came into the office to meet me and introduce himself. He also made a point that he WOULD be bringing me work to do.

Chet was kind, funny and always asked how you were doing and stop to really listen to your answer. He cared about people and made them feel as an important individual. 

I recently ran into him at the grocery store and he told me of his cancer and treatments but didn't dwell on his health, he wanted to know how I was doing. That's the kind of kind sole Chet was. 

I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Please give Donna a big hug from me.

It was an honor to know and work with Chet.  He was a terrific person and esteemed faculty member.  Blessings to all the family.