Arthur Chalupa

May 19, 1925 - June 15, 2012

Arthur James Chalupa, Sr. Arthur J. Chalupa Sr. of New Lenox passed away June 15, 2012 at the age of 87. He is survived by loving children Art Jr. of Chicago, Linda Chalupa of New Lenox, retired Lt. Col. Wayne (Phon) Chalupa of Burke, Virginia, and Debra (Joseph) Olejarz of Tinley Park; caring grandchildren Lauren Olejarz, Timothy Olejarz, Gregory Olejarz, Bobby (Michelle) Guidebeck, John (Melissa) Chalupa, William Chalupa, Brenda Venable, Christina (Greg) Vande Merkt, Brian (Melanie) Chalupa, Derek Chalupa, Shena Chalupa, Joshua Chalupa; cherished great-grandchildren Taylor Zbiegen, Julianna Chalupa, Jason Chalupa, Ryan Chalupa, Taylor Guidebeck, Brittany Evans, and Vanessa Venable; and beloved siblings Barbara (Wesley) Mayhugh of Plainfield, Robert (Late Rita) Chalupa of Leesburg, Florida, & Edward (Martha) Chalupa of Reno, Nevada.; and dear former wife Lillian. Arthur is preceded in death by his brother Richard Chalupa, formerly of Nunica, Michigan, and his grandson Wayne Guidebeck of Florida. Arthur served in the army during World War II as a paratrooper, infantryman, and member of the Blackhawks, touring Germany, France, & Austria (the European Theater). He was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism and was the only survivor in his boat when crossing the Remagen River in Germany. Following his military service, Arthur worked as a residential contractor, running several contracting companies, most notably Arthur Chalupa Builders and Hickory-Palos Realty. Arthur has been a member of VFW Rhine Post 2729 since the 1960s. Visitation for Arthur is Monday, June 25, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Heartland Memorial Center, 7151 183rd Street, Tinley Park, Illinois. Memorial Service will be Tuesday, June 26, at 11 a.m. at Heartland Memorial Center with memorial visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. Inurnment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery follows the memorial service. Memorial donations in Arthur's honor may be made to VFW Rhine Post 2729 by calling (773) 284-9025 or mailing them to VFW Rhine Post 2729, 5858 Archer Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60638. For information or to sign the online guestbook, call Heartland Memorial Center at (708) 444-2266 or visit HeartlandMemorial.com.