Alfred S. 'Lefty' Chaney

MERCER, Wis. - Alfred S. "Lefty" Chaney, 92, of Mercer, passed away on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at Mount View Care Center-North Central Health Care in Wausau.

Lefty was born on Aug. 8, 1930, in Crandon to the late Sidney and Annabelle (Minton) Chaney. He grew up and lived in Mercer throughout his life until he moved to Mount View Care Center in February 2018.

He graduated from Mercer High School with the class of 1948. He married Audrey Bartelme on Feb. 23, 1952, in Mercer at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on May 23, 2007, after 55 years of marriage.

Early in his career, Lefty worked in the logging industry. He learned the building trade while employed by Donald Mears and later began his own business, Chaney Construction. He built and remodeled many homes in Mercer and the surrounding area. Lefty along with his wife, Audrey, also owned and operated the Loon's Nest Motel for six years.

Lefty enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping in his early years. Later in life, he spent hours working in his vegetable garden during the summer months and took great pleasure in sharing the fruits of his labor with family and many of his acquaintances. Everyone looked forward to getting one of the many quarts of pickles he made with his own special brine.

He is survived by his sons, Greg (Donna) Chaney, Allen Chaney and Paul Chaney; daughter, JoAnn (Lyle) Pemble; sister, Carol Moon; grandchildren, Jamie (Becky) Pemble, Steven (Erin) Chaney, Tiffany Chaney, Ryan (Maia) Chaney, Kinslee Chaney and Kacee Chaney; five great-grandchildren; and two nephews.

Lefty was preceded in death by his half-brothers, Jim and Jack Todd.

A celebration of Lefty's life will take place in the spring.

Friends may leave condolences for Lefty's family online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center, Gardenside Crossing, for the exceptional dementia care they provided for Lefty over the past five years.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Ironwood, to honor Lefty's legacy of life.