Chester C. Winiarski experienced many things in his life. He was born nine months before the end of World War I and, throughout his 93 years, saw great conflicts and accomplishments. Chester was a hardworking leader, a loving husband, and dedicated family man. One of his most beloved characteristics was his sense of humor.
When someone is a leader and as hardworking as Chester, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Chester who was indeed a born manager. He brought a common sense approach to everything he did, and will be remembered for being organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Chester was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Chester knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his family.
Chester was born on March 4, 1918 to Piotr and Antoinette, who had immigrated from Poland before the start of World War I. Chester was raised in Chicago, Illinois with his older brothers John and Stanley. As a boy, he was taught the principles of faith in the Catholic Church, which he carried throughout his life. In addition, he quickly learned the importance of family. He demonstrated this through the support he provided to his brother, John, by sending his military pay back home to support John’s education in seminary school at the University of Notre Dame. For Chester, his loved ones came first.
Chester's common sense approach was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Chester learned how to take care of business and family from his father during the Great Depression. While growing up in the Depression, he did various activities, such as collecting bottles, to earn money for his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing baseball, chess and checkers.
Chester applied his common sense approach to his own education. He chose to learn a technical skill by attending one year at Lane Tech High School and three years at Washburn Technical High School in order to become an expert machinist. He passed on the importance of education to his only child, Peter, and encouraged him to attend college.
An objective and conscientious individual, Chester reveled in the security of his family. On September 10, 1944 Chester exchanged wedding vows with Clara Witkowski at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois. His brother, Fr. John, presided over the ceremony. One of Chester’s most endearing qualities was his love for his wife.
Chester was ever watchful of his son. He worried about him and was deeply concerned for his development as he grew up. He maintained a large, firm hand in Peter’s upbringing. Chester would give his stamp of approval to Peter’s requests, as long as he could see how Peter might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his son was properly raised. Chester and Clara were blessed with two grandchildren, Julia and Mark, and two great granddaughters, Izabel and Megan.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Chester was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project foreman, Chester was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Chester upheld his standards. Chester was renowned for his creative ways of keeping the assembly line moving. He lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.” Before joining the Army, he worked at National Mineral Company. After returning from the Army, Chester worked at Helene Curtis, Alpha Engineering and then Oscar Mayer. Chester always fought for those he supervised and tried to protect them the best he could. He retired at the age of 63.
Corporal Winiarski served in the Army from January 1941 until January 1946 and saw action in World War II. As a member of the 248th Coast Artillery, Searchlight Battalion, he served at many locations, including Fort Casey, Washington and the Philippines. His wife, Clara, joined him at Camp Barkeley, Texas. His final service to the Army was at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where he could earn a better living to help support his family. His understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his ability to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women.
Chester approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were being a craftsman and a "Mr. Fix it.” He built a doll house for his granddaughter and enjoyed creating things out of wood and other materials. He enjoyed the challenge of repairing anything. Chester was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone, but was also willing to share his time with others. He also enjoyed playing golf, cards, checkers, chess and bowling with friends and family.
Faith was important to Chester, who was a practicing Catholic. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason, he held deep spiritual beliefs and participated in church activities.
Chester passed away on October 6, 2011 at Arden Court in Glen Ellyn from old age and dementia. He is survived by his son Peter (Bernadette); his grandchildren Julia (Mike) Cabral and Mark; his great grandchildren Izabel and Megan Cabral; and his many nieces and nephews. Services were held at St. Margaret Mary Church. Chester was laid to rest in Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Naperville, Illinois.
All who knew him would agree that Chester was a dedicated family man. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Chester C. Winiarski did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.
Chester C. Winiarski, beloved husband of the late Clara; devoted father of Peter (Bernadette); loving grandfather of Julia (Mike) Cabral and Mark Winiarski; cherished great grandfather of Izabel and Megan Cabral; fond uncle of many. US Army veteran of WWII. Visitation Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 3-8 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle, IL (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services will begin Friday, October 14, 2011 at 9:15 am and proceed to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Mass 10:00 am. Interment Ss Peter and Paul Cemetery, Naperville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For info, call 630-964-9392.
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