John D. Chalek

John Dmitri Chalek Jr. passed away peacefully on November 22, 2024. Born on March 7, 1942, in Chicago, IL, John spent his childhood living in Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, and Ohio. After an attempt at college that proved unfulfilling, John joined the Army at the onset of the Vietnam War. Although he trained to become a helicopter pilot, a medical discharge due to suspected asthma altered his path.

Following his military service, John pursued a career in advertising sales, working for the Courier Journal newspaper and Fetter Printing. He then began his first tenure as General Manager of The Voice Newspaper. John’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open his own printing business, Zip Print, which he later sold. He returned to The Voice Newspaper (then the Voice Tribune) as General Manager, a position he held until his retirement. In recognition of his contributions to the community, John was honored as a Kentucky Colonel.

John was a long-time member of the Advertising Club of Louisville, serving on the board of directors and as vice president. He also served on the St. Matthews Area Business Association (SMABA) board, including acting as board president from 1997-1998. Additionally, he was on the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau. John’s passions included golf and computers, earning him the affectionate title of “computer nerd” among his peers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John D. Chalek Sr. and Camilla, his brother William D. Chalek, and his wife of 57 years, Christine Stephens Chalek. John leaves behind his children, Jennifer Paige Chalek and Karyn Susanne Wedge (Joshua), and two grandchildren, Michael Zachary and Thomas Patrick Wedge.

John’s legacy is one of resilience, dedication, humor, and community spirit. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 PM, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions, 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville KY 40243.