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John Chakowski Obituary
He was born in Berlin, Germany. He worked for the German railroad and was drafted by the German Army in 1943 during World War II. After the war, the family lived in Hannover, Germany. He again worked for the German Railroad. The family immigrated to America in 1953. The family resided two years in Harvard. In 1955, they moved to Marengo, and he worked for Arnold Engineering for 25 years. Upon retirement he and his wife, Sofie Lentz Chakowski, moved to Columbia, S.C. He was a member of the German Club, and he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years; his daughters, Erika (William "Bill") Verley of Phoenix and Lotte (Richard) Kerlophian of Columbia, S.C.; his grandchildren, John W. (Heather Thomas) Verley, Janice D. (Danny R, Guckenburg) Verley and Richard H. (Sharon Turner) Kerlophian Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Mary and Joshua; and a stepgreat-granddaughter, Kristen.
He was preceded in death by his son, Horst Chakowski.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, S.C. The family will receive friends after the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. For information, visit www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Chakowski
The Staff of Caughman-Harman Funeral Home
December 13, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Harry Reinbolz
December 10, 2010
As a kid I called John uncle. Thats how close his family was with mine. We will miss him and we will think on him often. Have a good rest you son of a gun.
Donna Sharpe
December 10, 2010
John, you will be missed very much, but your memory and stories will live on with us. I feel blessed that our paths crossed in this life. I will always treasure the times we shared together, and the wooden bird and flowers you made for me many years ago. Kaffeeklatsch won't be the same without you. Be free, and know how much you are loved and missed! Sofi, you and your family are in my prayers.
Heather Verley
December 9, 2010
I am truly blessed to have known John Chakowski for the past twelve years that I have been a part of his family. He was incredibly kind and loving. From the moment I first met him, he treated me, not as an "in-law", but as one of his own grandchildren. I will treasure all of the visits to South Carolina and all of the stories that he told us. Opa, you will be missed. We will alway love you!
Cindy & Stephanie LMC Radiology
December 9, 2010
We, the x-ray girls at LMC, enjoyed listening to Mr. Chakowski stories during his exams. He was a great story teller. We will miss his smiles & stories. Our prayers are with his family.
Bob & Carol Juenger
December 9, 2010
John loved his family and friends and made everyone laugh with his jokes. He will be missed by us all. We send our love and prayers to Sophie and all his family. Carol & Bob Juenger & Family , Dunn Loring, Va.
Tony, Greta & Jabari Avery
December 8, 2010
Mr. John will be missed. Our family will remember him as being a great neighbor, family man and friend. He would shared many stories with us and our son. Mr. John was excited that our 8 year old son was begining to learn German language. Please know that The Chakowski Family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Connee Meschini
December 8, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him as such a great man; so dedicated to his wife and family. Please know that you are in thoughts and prayers.
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