Chester Richard Stawiszynski

Chester Richard Stawiszynski, 91, of Paw Paw, MI, and former resident of Burbank, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 2, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 11, 1927, the son of Jacob and Francis (Lewandowski) Stawiszynski.

Chester was a wonderful man with a never-ending sense of humor that was always at peak performance. He had a knack for making everyone laugh, and he was never happy until everyone around him was having a good time. He never thought of himself first. In June of 1946 he joined the United States Army and served faithfully, patrolling and enforcing rules and regulations with Troop C 51st Constabulary Squadron. Chester was a master carpenter all of his life and he loved to work with his hands. That passion drove him to volunteer and be very involved in restoration projects within the Air Zoo of Portage, MI. He assisted with projects for the Fairchild PT-23, Curtiss XP-55 Ascender, El KABONG, SR-71B Blackbird, Douglas SBD-3, Sopwith Camel, V-1 Buzz Bomb, Travel Air Mystery Ship, and dozens of peripheral projects for all departments within. Chester also loved nature, Evergreen trees were a particular favorite of his and he enjoyed planting them within his community. Above all else, he was a family man. He loved to spend quality time with each and every member at gatherings and other events.

Chester is survived by his wife, Vlasta A. (Benak) Stawiszynski; Children, Joanne (Scott) Shaefer, David Stawiszynski, Lorraine Preston, and Kathryne (John) Sagers; Grandchildren, Natalie, Audrey, Jill, Jeff, Daisy, Jen, and Heidi; Sister, Virgie Collenette, and a host of other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and other siblings.

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.