Eugene Robert Chmielewski Sr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Eugene Robert Chmielewski, Sr., age 83, of Marion, IL passed away peacefully at 5:04 p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2018, in Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion. He was born on Thursday, October 11, 1934, in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of Isadore Charles and Emelia Josephine (Wojcik) Chmielewski. Eugene attended school in Trenton and was a graduate of Trenton Catholic Boy’s School Class of 1952. While in school he While in school he was a drummer in a band playing for the Polish Falcons. After graduation he attended Seminary for about a year. Eugene answered the call of this nation by first serving in the United States Army and later enlisted into the United States Air Force and after his period of faithful service was honorably discharged. After he returned from the military around 1960, he began working for the McDonnell-Douglas Corporation near St. Louis, MO as an Electrical Inspector working on the Mercury and Gemini Space Projects. He later began working for the Monsanto Corporation as an Electrical Draftsman at their Cahokia, IL facility. He finished his working career as a Draftsman for Illinois Power until his health forced him to retire at an early age. Eugene was of the Catholic faith. He was an accomplished drummer musician and enjoyed playing in bands, especially country music. He also was an artist, jewelry maker and photographer. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, collecting guns and fishing. He loved his family and enjoyed the times they would be together. The memories that have been created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by four children; Gene R. Chmielewski, Jr. of Bethalto, IL, Juliette Travous and her husband Paul of St. Charles, MO, Matthew A. Chmielewski and his wife Millie of Bethalto, IL and Anna Maria Anderson of Bigfork, MT, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, David and Ann Chmielewski of Ewing, NJ; step-daughter, Tonya Collins of Marion; sister-in-law, Jackie Chmielewski of Annapolis, MD; two nieces, Ingrid Fair and her husband Kevin of Trenton, NJ and Eileen Chmielewski of Annapolis, MD; nephew, John Chmielewski and his wife Cindy of Lawrenceville, NJ; special friend and partner for the last 15 years, Marlene Shruda of Marion, other extended family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Emma Lee Heller; brother, Marvin Chmielewski and his nephew Paul Chmielewski. Arrangements for Eugene R. Chmielewski, Sr. have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion. The graveside committal service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018, in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO with military honors being accorded by the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Detail. Those wishing to attend the committal service should gather at the cemetery reception center prior to 11:00 a.m. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to, “American Heart Association” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home and cemetery. For more information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

Eugene Robert Chmielewski Sr.

October 11, 1934 - January 26, 2018