Daniel E. Chudzinski, 85, of Fremont, died Sunday, January 22, at his residence. He was born March 13, 1926 in Fremont, the son of Anthony A. and Ellen (Reinbolt) Chudzinski. He was a 1944 graduate of St. Joseph High School. After high school, Dan enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp., where he was assigned to the 15th Air Force, manning heavy machine guns in the ring turret of B-29 aircraft. He was honorably discharged June 30, 1946 attaining the rank of Corporal. His military awards include; the American Theatre Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
After his military service Dan returned to Fremont to operate the family business the former A. A. Chudzinski and Sons Market and Tony’s Grill, now Chud’s Inc., with his father and brother. He became owner of the business in 1963. On October 15, 1949 he married Pauline Molyet at St. Joseph Church in Fremont. She preceded him in death on February 7, 2003.
He was a founding member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, an active member of the Holy Name Society at the former St. Casimir’s Church and a current member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He held additional memberships with the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and V.F.W., Disabled American Veterans and the Ohio Nomads Camping Group. A friend to many, he enjoyed traveling, flying his helicopter and airplane as a commercially rated pilot, and spending his winters in Gulf Shores, AL. Dan was an avid, eclectic, collector of the unusual and certainly proud to be Polish. Although he has stories for many of his accomplishments, his greatest was raising his 10 children.
Surviving are his children: Therese (Michael) Clouse of Fostoria, OH; Anthony (Cathy) Chudzinski of Fremont, OH; Karen (Al) O’Neal of Fremont, OH; Mary (Chuck) Beier of Swanton, OH; Barbara (John) Chudzinski of DeFuniak Springs, FL;. Patty (Brad) Culbert of Fremont, OH; Mark (Judy) Chudzinski of Fremont, OH; Peter (Joy) Chudzinski of Fremont, OH; Jacob (Kathy) Chudzinski of Fremont, OH; Amy Chudzinski of Fremont, OH; 22 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; constant companion Rachel Shearon of Fremont, OH; sisters: Katie (Stan) Root of Fremont, OH; Margaret Pert of Fremont, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, son Frederick Leo, brother, Vincent Chudzinski and sister, Lucille Miller.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 2-8 P.M. at Keller-Ochs-Koch-Mason Funeral & Cremation Service, 416 S. Arch Street, Fremont, OH. Vigil services will begin at 7:30P.M. A Mass of Resurrection will begin at 10:30A.M. on Wednesday from St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Zacharias officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery with military graveside honors performed by the V.F.W. and American Legion. Memorial Contributions may be made to: St. Ann’s Catholic Church or Hospice of Memorial Hospital. Arrangements under the direction of Keller-Ochs-Koch-Mason Funeral & Cremation Service, Fremont, OH.
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