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John Chakowski Obituary

COLUMBIA - John Chakowski, 96, passed away Monday, December 6, 2010, in Lexington Medical Center after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sofie Lentz Chakowski; daughters, Erika Verley and husband, William "Bill" Verley, of Phoenix, AZ, and Lotte Chakowski Kerlophian and husband, Richard Kerlophian, of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, John W. Verley (Heather Thomas) and great-granddaughter, Mary; Janice D. Verley (Danny R. Guckenburg) and great-grandson, Joshua; and Richard H. Kerlophian Jr. (Sharon Turner) and stepgreat-granddaughter, Kristen. He was predeceased by his son, Horst Chakowski.

John was born in Berlin, Germany, and 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. John again worked for the German Railroad. The family immigrated to America in 1953. The family resided two years in Harvard, IL. In 1955 they moved to Marengo, IL, and he worked for Arnold Engineering for 25 years. Upon retirement he and Sofie moved to Columbia, SC. John was a member of the German Club. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 10, 2010, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Irmo/St. Andrews Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. The family will receive friends after the service at the funeral home. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Dec. 8, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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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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Funeral services provided by:

Temples-Halloran Funeral & Cremation Services

5400 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212

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