Obituary of Chester Onderisin

Chester E. Onderisin Age 91, died peacefully at home on October 26, 2009. He was born on August 5, 1918. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Genevieve (Fuhrmann), and daughters Elaine, Therese (James Postel), and Margaret Davis; six grandchildren: Amy Postel (Bernard Koontz), Gregory Postel and Sarah Postel of Seattle WA, William (Jennifer) Davis III of Minooka, Stephen (Pam Graf) Davis of River Grove, and Jenna (Philip) Boersma of Joliet; six great-grandchildren: Caleb and Marissa Davis, Felix and Xavier Koontz, Andrew Boersma, and Michael Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews. Chester was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna (Balas); sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Charles Pastore; and brother, John. Chester graduated from DeLaSalle High School and began full-time employment at the Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern Railway. He served in the Army during World War II, using his railroading skills in the 740th Railway Operating Battalion. He received a field commission promoting him from Staff Sergeant to Second Lieutenant. After the war he returned to work at the "J" as a conductor, served as chairman of the local Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen, and was instrumental in creating the Roadman's Aid Association. He began a second career at the Joliet Arsenal and retired from the Rock Island Arsenal as a Computer Systems Specialist in 1984. During retirement Chester helped establish the Lakewood Shores Improvement Association in Wilmington and he and Genevieve enjoyed volunteering at the Rialto Theater. Also a member of American Legion Post #1080 and the Knights of Columbus. Funeral services for Chester E. Onderisin will be Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 9:15 a.m. from the funeral home chapel to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment St. John Cemetery. Visitation Friday, from 4-8 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For information: 815-741-5500