Obituaries

Ben Walter Bielski Sr.

Photo of Ben Walter Bielski Sr.
Ben Walter Bielski Sr., 88, of Jefferson City, Mo., long-time resident of Calumet City, Ill., passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2011, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born on February 2, 1922, in Chicago, Ill., the son of the late Walter and Mary Struz Bielski. He was a 1940 graduate of Tilden Tech High School in Chicago, Ill. Ben was a United States Navy veteran serving during World War II as a chief electrician. Ben served in five campaigns during World War II including North Africa, North Atlantic, D-Day, and the South Pacific. Ben was the last survivor of the destroyer U.S.S. Winslow that was torpedoed in the North Atlantic. He was united in marriage on June 11, 1949, in Crown Point, Ind., to Loretta Emily Stachelski who preceded him in death on April 3, 2009. Ben was employed with Fischbach & Moore for thirty-five years and with Sargeant Electric for three years. He was a devoted member of St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, in Calumet City, Ill.; IBEW Local 697 in Hammond, Ind.; American Legion Post 330 in Calumet City, Ill.; and Club AMSAC in Calumet City, Ill. Ben loved Chicago sports, especially the Bears and the Cubs, but loved his wife and family above all else. His grandchildren will miss their "Dzia-Dzia" terribly, but feel blessed that his mind and sense of humor remained sharp through all of his 88 years. Survivors include three children, Ben (Mozelle) Bielski Jr., of Jefferson City, Mo.; Nancy Bielski, of Roseville, Calif.; Dr. Robert John (Sharon) Bielski, of Western Springs, Ill.; six grandchildren, Ben W.J. Bielski, Leslie Roter, Jacob Bielski, David Bielski, Rachel Bielski, Emily Bielski; and his long-time caregiver, Wanda Altawil. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lottie Bielski and Mary Frjelich. Services will be held in Calumet City, Ill. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, in Calumet City, Ill. Memorials are suggested to the Carmelite Monastery, 2201 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com.

Published January 16, 2011