Chester J. Potempa

1929 - 2025

Chester J. Potempa

Jul 12, 1929 - Dec 10, 2025

Chester J. Potempa, loving husband and father of five children, passed away at 7:10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the age of 96.

A lifetime resident of San Pierre, IN, he died at his family farm with his wife and children at his side.

Chester was born on their farm in San Pierre on July 12, 1929 as the youngest of nine children of Frank and Mary (Soprich). He attended San Pierre High School, as he watched his four older brothers go off to fight during World War 2 and he stayed home to help his parents run the farm. On September 5, 1953 he married Peggy Green at Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church in her neighboring hometown of Wheatfield, Ind. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from November 1956 until his honorable discharge in November 1959.

In addition to his love of farming, Chester enjoyed a long career in truck transportation for 38 years at Jack Gray Transport until he retired in 1994 and he was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Chester was honored with numerous safe driving honors and trophies throughout his decades on the roads and highways.

Chester is survived by wife Peggy and their five children Carol Widner of Monterey, IN, Tom Potempa of San Pierre, David Potempa of Lima, OH, Pam Robinson of Mishawaka, IN, and Philip Potempa of San Pierre as well as five grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Mary (1986) and Frank (1951), all his older siblings Walter (1977), John (1982), Lillian (1994), Joseph (1995), Judy (2005), Lottie (2018), Wanda (2021) and Loretta (2020) as well as beloved daughter-in-law Linda (Tom), son-in-law Bill (Carol) and grandson Thomy.

Chester loved to spend his time outside working in his expansive vegetable gardens, caring for the vast lawns surrounding the family farm and woodworking hobbies, especially making his custom birdhouses. He was a devoted member of All Saints Catholic Church in San Pierre.

Service arrangements are being handled by O'Donnell Funeral Home, 302 Lane St. in North Judson, IN, with a visitation period from 3 to 7 p.m. CST Friday, December 19 and a Catholic Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. Visitation continues at 10 a.m. CST Saturday, December 20 with casket viewing at All Saints Catholic Church, 201 W. Eliza St. in San Pierre prior to the funeral mass service at 11 a.m. CST followed by a private interment at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in San Pierre. More details by calling 574-896-2149 or www.odonnellfhome.com.