WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) Walter John Chilsen passed away on Christmas Day at the age of 95. Chilsen was a news broadcaster in Wausau and served six terms in the Wisconsin State Senate.
He began his broadcast career at WLIN in Merrill before moving to WSAU Radio & TV in 1954 becoming Channel 7's first news director and anchor. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasting Hall Of Fame in 2005.
Chilsen was elected to the State Senate in 1966 and served the 29th District until 1990. He also served on the Town of Weston Board for 17 years
He attended Northwestern University and served in the US Army Air Forces from 1943-45. He was a bombadier and his plane was shot down in the Pacific during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Chilsen is survived by his wife Rose and eight children.
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