John C. “Ches” Klapec, 91, a lifelong resident of Oil City, PA. , died on January 4, 2019 at his home.

Born May 15, 1927 in Oil City, PA., he was the son of the late Andrew & Josephine Magdon Klapec who emigrated from Poland.

John was inducted into the Army on July 25, 1945, shortly after his graduation from Oil City High School.

He served as a medic during World War II at Randolph Field in San Antonio, TX.

A hard worker throughout his life, John began delivering for Purity Milk Co. before his 15th birthday. In his high school years, he worked as a laborer on highway paving projects, as an apprentice in the composing room of the Derrick, for Talon Tube Factory, C.M. Marshall, Pennland Tankers and Duffy Motors.

After his military service, he was employed by Tri-County Petroleum from 1948 to 1966 when the company went out of business. He then worked for Continental Can Co. until 1987.

He worked intermittently at Klapec Trucking until 1992 when he hauled his last load.

John was deeply devoted to his family and enjoyed nothing better than spending time with them.

He enjoyed traveling and “trucks”.

Mr. Klapec was a member of St. Joseph Church.

He was married on Aug. 12, 1948 to the former Shirley Fry and she preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 2003.

He is survived by four children, James Klapec & his wife Joyce of Oil City, Sue Kreft & her husband Martin of Yulee, FL, Stephen Klapec & his wife Kathy of Sandy Lake, and Lori Copley & her husband Phillip of Oil City; 8 grandchildren, Ben Marshall & his wife Teresa, Aimee Marshall, Tim Klapec & his wife Emily, Adam Marshall, Kristin Bean & her husband Josh, Kortney Barcheck, Shelby Klapec and Andy Klapec, 9 Great Grandchildren, as well as several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

John is also survived by one sister Mary Malys of Clermont, FL.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers Joseph Klapec and Bert Klapec.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and from 7-9 P.M. Monday in the Reinsel Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at St. Joseph Church with Fr. John Miller, Presiding.

Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S.Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.