Vernon L. Chmielewski, 89, peacefully passed away in his home on Thursday afternoon March 3, 2022.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 18, 1932, to Chester and Clara (Wawrzyniak) Chmielewski and was raised in the Roseland neighborhood. He graduated from St. Rita High School in Chicago and went on to attend De Paul University to graduate with a Bachelor of Finance degree.
Vernon served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict until his Honorable Discharge in November of 1954. While serving, he administered the payroll for our American Prisoners of War.
In Chicago, Illinois on June 8, 1957, Vernon married Patricia Cavanaugh, and to this union came four children: Vernon, Edward, Bridget, and Timothy. They would raise their family and live in Illinois for 68 years. He worked as an accountant for Sherwin-Williams and served as a past board member for the Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago. The couple would move to Culver, Indiana in 2000 and become Arizona snowbirds for over 20 years.
Vernon was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Culver, the Romeo Club, and was a member of St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church in Culver.
He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Pat, and their children: Vernon P. of Culver, IN, Edward of Los Angeles, CA, Bridget (Jeff) of Eagle Rock, CA, and Timothy (Jill) of Clarendon Hills, IL; grandchildren: Claire, Ava, Colin, Brendan and Eva.
Vernon was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Gladys Bierzychudek.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN. A rosary will be recited at 7:45 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 605 N. Plymouth Street, Culver, IN, with Fr. Bill Meininger officiating. Visitation will resume one hour prior in the church.
Burial will follow in the Culver Cemetery, Culver with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 605 N. Plymouth Street, Culver, IN 46511.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the website: www.johnson-danielson.com
