Chester Frank Kajcienski

Chester Frank Kajcienski Battle Creek Chester Frank Kajcienski, 91 of Battle Creek, died Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the home he had built following the war and lived in throughout his life. He was born February 22 1918 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Ignacy and Helen (Szablewska) Kajcienski. Chester received his High School Diploma at Imlay City High School where he played varsity football. He served in the U.S. Army, Fighting 69th, 273rd Infantry, 2nd Battalion, Company E from July 3, 1942 until December 22, 1945. His unit met the Russians at the Elbe River and he received 2 bronze stars, a special diploma for the Liberation of France, Victory Medal, Marksman Medal and Good Conduct Ribbon. Prior to his retirement in April of 1980, he had worked at the Eaton Corporation for 44 years as a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. Then, he worked for his daughter's business, Showstopper American Dance Championships, for 20 years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, and enjoyed woodworking and mechanics. He could repair or build anything. On May 6, 1943 he was married to Dorothy (Rench) in Waco, Texas who survives. Also surviving are four children: Donald (Diane) Kajcienski of Las Vegas, NV, Debra (David) Roberts of Myrtle Beach, SC, Gregory Kajcienski of Battle Creek and Lisa (Gregory) Shippell of Marshall; eight grandchildren: Sean Kajcienski, Michelle (Kajcienski) Power, Angela (Roberts) VanNewkirk, Adam Roberts, Kyle and Todd Kajcienski, and step-grandchildren, Zack and Matt Shippell; six great-grandchildren: Ashley and Sean Paul Kajcienski, Georgia and Hazel VanNewkirk, and Jacob and Aidan Power. He was preceded in death by five brothers: Leo, Harry, Zygmunt, Steve and Wladislawa; and five sisters: Irene Laniewski, Lottie Mathers, Sonia Pearson, Helen Kowalski and Emaline Lubinski. The funeral Mass will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Joseph Xavier officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to Lifespan.