Chester J Potempa

Chester J. Potempa, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at 7:10 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025 at the age of 96. A lifetime resident of San Pierre, Indiana, he passed away peacefully in his sleep 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 three older brothers go off to fight during World War 2 and he stayed home to help his parents run the farm. On Sept. 5, 1953 he married Peggy Green at Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church in her neighboring hometown of Wheatfield, Indiana. He served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from November 1950 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. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 142 and the American Legion Post 92 in North Judson, Indiana. 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, Indiana, Tom Potempa of San Pierre, David Potempa of Lima, Ohio, Pam Robinson of Mishawaka, Indiana and Philip Potempa of San Pierre as well as five grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank (1951) and Mary (1986), 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, Indiana with a visitation period from 3 to 7 p.m. CST Friday, Dec. 19 and a Catholic Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation continues at 10 a.m. CST Saturday, Dec. 20 with viewing at All Saints Catholic Church, 201 W. Eliza St. in San Pierre prior to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. CST followed by a private interment at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in San Pierre.

Chester J Potempa

July 12, 1929 - December 10, 2025