Apichai Kookasemkit

DEFOREST – Apichai “Chai” Kookasemkit, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. Chai was born on June 16, 1946 to Sui Hung Koo and Sieu Im Tha in Bangkok, Thailand. He attended Bangkok College and entered the United States in 1968 to attend Madison Business College. Chai completed his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Business Administration at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, where he met the love of his life, Deborah. They were married in 1973 at the Matava Buddhist Temple in Saginaw, Michigan, and relocated to Madison, Wisconsin. Chai spent his working career in banking, administrative services, and found his greatest satisfaction serving the needs of senior citizens at Oakwood Village in Madison, and most recently Marquardt Village in Watertown. He actively participated in badminton and won many awards in singles and doubles competition in the Badger State Games for that sport. Chai was an avid golfer and cherished the many friends with whom he spent hours and hours chasing those “little white balls.” The most important thing in Chai’s life was his family. He was a devoted father and beloved grandfather who eagerly and enthusiastically supported his children and grandchildren. Chai was the number 1 fan at every family sporting event. He was a “softy” who would tear up with pride at every basket, point, and touchdown. Many life-long friendships began with cheering in the stands.

Chai is survived by his wife of 43 years, Deborah; daughters, LaChanna (Justin) Magli, Abrah, and Samiera (Nick Rote); grandchildren, Jaiden, Deven, Kallen, Zivah, Avara, Elias, Clayton, Parker; god-daughter, Barbara, and "little sister," Shirene. Chai is also survived by 9 brothers and sisters in Thailand and a very large extended family of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his state-side “mom,” Charlcie Poth and his dearest friend and golf partner, Steve “Bear” Engle.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest. A visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com