Joseph Walter CHELMINIAK

19 MAR 1922 - 11 AUG 2013

• BIRTH: 19 MAR 1922, South Bend, IN
• DEATH: 11 AUG 2013, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 19 AUG 1944, St Adalbert, South Bend, IN

1.  Lou Ann CHELMINIAK

INDEX

[N6854] Joseph W. Chelminiak
March 19, 1922 - Aug. 11, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Joseph W. Chelminiak, 91, of South Bend, passed away Sunday, August 11, 2013, at the home of his daughter. Joseph was born March 19, 1922, in South Bend, to Walter & Emily (Bedner) Chelminiak. On Aug. 12, 1944, Joseph married Laurette Nowastawski. He is also survived by his daughters, Lou Ann Chelminiak, Donna Chelminiak and Nancy Jo (Chelminiak) Matthews, all of South Bend; two grandchildren, Jessica (Matt) Langager and Brian Matthews of South Bend; two great-grandchildren, Alexa and Brady Langager of South Bend. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lauretta; sister, Lucille Schwartz; brother-in-law, Donald Schwartz; and loving companion, Stella Buda. Joseph was a graduate of South Bend Catholic High School. He honorably served his country as a Corporal in the United States Army during WW II. While defending his country his unit was overtaken during the Battle of the Bulge. Joseph spent six months as a Prisoner of War in Germany. Upon return from the war Joseph was employed at Studebaker's; he then went on to make his living as a self-employed carpenter. In his later years, he was employed at St. Casimir Parish in Maintenance. Joseph truly enjoyed dancing, especially polkas. He was known far and wide for leading many a lively rendition of the "Chicken Dance." In his younger days he was a drummer in a local band. He also was an avid Notre Dame and Cubs fan, but his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends. Joseph was a member of a number of St. Casimir Parish Organizations including the Married Men's Club, Senior Citizens, Holy Name Society and Eucharistic Minister/Lector. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the Center of Hospice for the loving care and assistance they provided. Visitation for Joseph will be 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday, August 15, 2013, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., where a Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am Friday, August 16, 2013, in St. Casimir Catholic Church. Condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net.
Published in South Bend Tribune on August 14, 2013