Jacob R. Chesnic

Jacob R. Chesnic, 100, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Trailpoint Village, South Bend, IN.

He was born on May 30, 1923 to the late Jacob and Matilda (Zupon) Chesnic in Osage, WV, and has lived in South Bend since 2005, coming from Menifee, CA.  Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by his wife, Elfie Kapel; two sisters, Virginia Bradock and Louise Chesnic, and his grandson, Jacob R. Chesnic.

Jacob graduated in 1939 from Chartiers Twp. High School in Pennsylvania. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 and was a WWII veteran with the 77th Naval Construction Battalion, where he served in the Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, Australia, and the Philippine Islands. 

He retired in 1983 from Lincoln Electric Company, where he worked as a Tool and Die Maker for 25 years. 

On September 20, 1947 he married Elfie Kapel.  She passed away on September 15, 1996.

Jacob is survived by his daughter, Jan Baker of Rocky River, OH; three sons, Richard “Rich” (Cheryl) Chesnic of Indianapolis, IN; William Chesnic of Spring Lake, MI; James (Renae) Chesnic of Mentor, OH; 10 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; his companion, Gail Nolan of South Bend, IN; and a brother, David Chesnic.

He was a member of the Euclid Veteran’s Club; and a SNPJ 70-year member of Lodge 723, where he was also a National Board Member.  Jacob was very proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Private Graveside Services and burial will take place in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, November 14th

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:  Slovene National Benefit Society Scholarship Fund, 247 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA  15126-9774.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.  To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com

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