Chester Florian Chmielewski , 92, of Sturgeon Lake, died Saturday, December 25th, 2010 at Essentia St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth with his family by his side.
Chester was born August 3, 1918 in Sturgeon Lake to Tony and Tillie (Jablonski) Chmielewski. He grew up in Sturgeon Lake and helped his father farm and later worked at the Denham Coop. Chester then moved to the Twin Cities and was a mechanic for street cars and later for the bus service. He met Ann Riedlberger at the Prom Ballroom in St. Paul. They were united in marriage on January 22nd, 1949 in St. Paul. They moved back to Sturgeon Lake where he bought the gas station and raised five children. Chester owned and operated the Chmielewski Oil Company until he retired in 1977. He served as Pine County Commissioner for eight years.
Chester was a lifelong member of St. Isidore's Catholic Church in Sturgeon Lake where he was a member of the parish council. He was one of the original members of the Knights of Columbus Council #4798. Chester was a volunteer firefighter in Sturgeon Lake for 34 years. He was the drummer of the original Chmielewski Brothers' Polka Band. Chester enjoyed going to church, bird watching, telling jokes, playing the concertina and watching the Twins. His family was his pride and joy.

Chester is preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Robert and Leonard; 5 sisters, Helen, Irene, Adeline, Margie, and Clara.

Chester is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Ann; 5 children, Barb (Tom) Walker, Donna (Gerard) Sobiech, Lois (Terry) Johnson, Alan (Heidi) Chmielewski, and Linda (Kevin) Johnson; 21 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Florian, Donny (Bernice) and Jerry (Carol) ; 2 sisters, Bernice (Harry) Mullen and Lorraine Anderson; 2 sisters-in-law, Hilda and Vienna Chmielewski.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, December 29, from 9:30 AM until the 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Isidore's Catholic Church, Sturgeon Lake. Interment was in St. Isidore's Catholic Cemetery, Sturgeon Lake. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.