Chester A. Rybicki

Chester A. Rybicki, 92, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on January 18, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 11, 1932 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Chester J. and Wilhelmina (Trybula) Rybicki. Chester was also preceded in death by two brothers John and Richard Rybicki. On June 16, 1956 he married Benita Chester who survives. He is also survived by three daughters, Cynthia Basker of South Bend, Indiana, Karen Shireman of South Bend, Indiana and Tina (Rich) Shireman of South Bend, Indiana, five grandchildren, Tabitha Thurston, Tuesday (Jimmy) Bernhard, Evan (Carys) Shireman, Faith (Thomas) Ward and Noah Shireman, thirteen great grandchildren, Leviathan, Alyssa, James, JR., Emma-Mia, Caiden, Sophia, Sirena, Luna, Sawyer, Charlotte, William and Ava.

Chester attended the Art Institute of Chicago before he was drafted by the Army to serve during the Korean War. Following his time in the Army he graduated from the Elkhart University of Medical & Dental Technology. He owned and operated Crown Art Dental Lab in South Bend, IN for over forty years, retiring well into his 70s. Chester loved Notre Dame Athletics both men and women’s. He volunteered and managed the food pantry at the Calvary Baptist Church where he was an active member. He assisted up to 100 families at one time with there spiritual and basic needs. He loved to garden and was especially good at it. Chester was never a stranger to anyone, he loved to meet others, hearing and sharing stories from each other’s lives. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

 A visitation will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to The Northern Indiana Food Bank in Chester’s honor. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com

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