Chester J. Pijanowski, 84, Hastings

Chester “Chet” Joseph Pijanowski, 84, of Hastings, died Thursday, May 28, 2009, at Hospice House in Omaha. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at Peterson Mortuary, in Glenwood. Interment was in the Hastings Cemetery. Rev. Nathaniel R. Schwartz officiated.

He was born on July 3, 1924, in Cicero, Ill., to Anthony and Stella Pijanowski. Mr. Pijanowski faithfully served his country during WW II receiving four overseas service bars while in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He was also decorated with one Silver Battle Star, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Upon returning from the war, he was trained as a photo engraver and began his working career at the Chicago Tribune newspaper, along with his father and brothers. He was married shortly thereafter, took a job with the Milwaukee Journal, and moved his family to the area near Kenosha, Wis. A few years later, he took a job with the Omaha World Herald where he worked for nearly 30 years. He served proudly as the night foreman in the photo engraving shop for much of that time. He subsequently moved his family to southwestern Iowa and settled into the area just south of Hastings.

After his divorce, he dedicated his life to raising his kids as a single father. He was a devoted and selfless man. He was a talented craftsman and enjoyed all types of woodworking and carpentry. Following his retirement in 1994, Mr. Pijanowski lived a peaceful life at his home in Hastings. He enjoyed the simple things in life; a good joke, the company of his dogs, an occasional woodworking project, and watching his family enjoy a hearty meal together.

Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his children, C. Phillip Pijanowski of Bellevue, Neb.; Daniel and wife Debra Pijanowski of Randolph; Patrick and wife Carol Pijanowski of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Amy and husband Brad Brock of Omaha; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of friends.

Memorials may be made to the Hastings Fire Department, PO Box 278, Hastings, Iowa 51540 or Hospice House, 7415 Cedar Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68124.