John Chmiel

A warm presence in his community and the steadfast rock of his family, John Chmiel led a life rich in love and laughter. He was a constant source of strength, no matter the circumstances, and he was a powerful role model of hard work and compassion. John deeply cherished every moment spent with his friends and family. His vitality was infectious, and his generosity has left an unforgettable impact on so many. Dearly loved, John forever will be remembered by those who knew him.

The early 1930s were far from the easiest years to be living in the United States. During the Great Depression it was vital that families find joy wherever they could. Nowhere was there more to celebrate than in the household of Joseph and Catherine (Clark) Chmiel, as they happily announced the arrival of their second child. Born on March 16, 1931, John joined his older sister Ella Josephine in the Chmiel family.

John was a typical young man of his generation, and he would look back on his childhood with fondness growing up in Niles, Michigan. The Great Depression had its strains, but the Chmiels always found a way to get by. He felt that he grew up during the best time in history. John channeled his youthful energy into athletics. He played baseball, excelling as a pitcher, and later played fast-pitch softball. John’s path first crossed with that of the girl who would eventually become the love of his life, Barbara Frucci, when the two were just children. They grew up mere blocks from each other, and John played on the same baseball team as Barb’s brother. The two did not start dating until fate’s design was seen through.

John graduated from South Bend Central Catholic High School in 1948, anxious to explore the world outside of the Midwest. For the next two years, John pursued his education at St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. He came home to finish his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame when his dad became terminally ill. While attending Notre Dame, he worked at Simplicity Patterns to support his family. It was there that his relationship with Barb, an administrative assistant at Simplicity, blossomed. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1952 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. He was then drafted into the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. At first, John was trained to be an MP, but when the Army discovered he could type 70 words per minute, he was swiftly made a company clerk. He was stationed in Hawaii and loved being in the tropical environment. After his service in the Army came to an end, John attended law school at the University of Notre Dame where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1957.

Upon returning from the Army, John and Barb’s relationship grew into something sacred. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, John and Barb were united in marriage in 1957. Throughout their many years as husband and wife, the two could often be found dancing. They enjoyed all forms of dancing including swing, square, and polka; however, their favorite was dancing the jitterbug to big band music.

Of all the things John loved in life, his family was his greatest treasure. He and Barb were overjoyed to welcome their four children, John, Catherine, James, and David into their hearts and home. John’s children were his pride and joy, and he made sure he was very active in their lives through Little League, Boy Scouts, or just spending time making and enjoying meals together. Despite being committed to his career as a senior claims adjuster at State Farm Insurance Company for 39 years, his top priority was making time for his family, and he was always home in time for dinner

The Chmiel family enjoyed many memorable vacations. John would leave work early most Fridays in the summer so they could go camping. They enjoyed such places as Schnable Lake, Gun Lake, and the dunes at Silver Lake. One of his favorite spots to visit was Young State Park in Boyne City. The family vacationed nearly every summer in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Thousand Island Lake with Barb’s sister’s family. The families once rented a motor home and took a 3-week trip out West. They were also lucky enough to visit Washington D.C. for the Bicentennial in 1976.

Later in life, John was thrilled to become a grandfather. He supported his grandchildren in all their interests and endeavors, no matter how far away they were. John considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

John was very involved in his community. In addition to coaching in Parchment Little League for 17 years, he was a longtime member of the Notre Dame Club of Kalamazoo, building a lasting legacy. He was always looking for hands-on ways to serve others, exemplified by the way he was the first to offer homemade meals at Ministry with Community. John volunteered as a mentor in the Kalamazoo Public Schools for several years. He was also very active at St. Ambrose Parish, where he and Barb attended and volunteered for over 60 years. John led with his heart and would always say, “Let’s get more people involved.”

John had many hobbies that kept him busy in his free time. He enjoyed card games, golfing, and playing the guitar with friends. Celebrating meals with family was one of John’s favorite ways to share love. John treasured helping Barb with her canning, and the two would garden together. Making homemade spaghetti sauce became a beloved family tradition to be shared with children and grandchildren. John also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and woodworking.

When reflecting on the life of John Chmiel, it is easy to see his giving heart and selfless spirit. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he took every chance to hold his loved ones close, and he was a shining example of faith, humility, and unconditional love. Although he is already so greatly missed, John leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to continue

John Chmiel, age 95, died on March 19, 2026, the Feast of St. Joseph. John was born in South Bend, IN, to Joseph and Catherine (Clark) Chmiel. He was preceded in death by his dear wife: Barbara, who passed away on the Feast of the Assumption; and sister: Ella Jo. Surviving are his children: John (Heidi) Chmiel of Battle Creek, MI, Catherine Street of Portage, MI, James (Jennifer) Chmiel of Indianapolis, IN, and David (Shelley) Chmiel of Pittsburgh, PA; 8 grandchildren: Stephanie and Jac Chmiel, David Street, Abigail, James and Michael Chmiel, and Ryan and Mason Chmiel; 2 step-grandchildren: Jennifer (Scott) Wright and Benjamin (Johanna) Dobbertien; one great-granddaughter: Alexandra Wright; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Thursday March 26 from 5 PM to 7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. The Rosary will be recited at 7 PM. Mass will be celebrated on Friday March 27 at 11 AM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Parchment, MI. Burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery. A luncheon will be provided after the burial at St. Ambrose Catholic Church Hall.

Celebrate John’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Barbara M. Chmiel Charitable Fund at Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Ministry with Community, or St. Ambrose Catholic Church.