Robert L Chudzinski

Loyal devotion to family, faith and community defined the heart, soul and life of Robert L Chudzinski. Bob Chudzinski 85, of Fremont, Ohio, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 11, 2012 at his winter home in Sebring, Florida. He was born April 16, 1926 in Fremont to Joseph P and Ann H (Garvin) Chudzinski, the youngest of three boys. Bob developed a strong work ethic that began at an early age when he worked at the family business. He was the third generation owner-operator of the Prairie Market. Many of the store's seasoning recipes used in the homemade lunchmeats originated with Bob. He also had a talent for telling wonderful stories and jokes to entertain family and friends alike. Bob graduated from St Joseph High School, class of 1944. While there he excelled in sports, especially football and basketball. He was Past President of the St Joe's Athletic Boosters. In May 2007 he was inducted into SJCC High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He became an avid, lifelong sports enthusiast enjoying softball, golf, bowling and boating. After high school he joined the 13th Army Air Corps and served as a tail gunner on a B-24 in the South Pacific during WW II. While on a bombing mission, he dislodged a bomb that was hung up in the bomb bay, thereby saving the plane and crew. For this heroic effort he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the top medals awarded by the Air Force. Bob was a member of the local VFW and American Legion. He was elected Sandusky Township Trustee in 1986 and served sixteen years. He was past president of the Sandusky County Township Association. Bob was a long time parishioner of the former St Casimir's Church where he served on Parish Council and a current member of St Joseph's. He was a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight of Columbus. Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary E (Darr) Chudzinski, who he married November 27, 1947 at St Joseph Church in Fremont; children, Brenda (John) Seilhamer of Xenia, OH, Christine Chudzinski of Temecula, CA, Mike (Sharon) Chudzinski of Fremont; eight grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Mary Louise Pump and brothers J Gerard Chudzinski and Thomas Chudzinski. Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to the Bishop Hoffman Catholic Schools. A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fremont.