Chester Labuda

Chester "Chet" LaBuda, 95, passed away on November 10, 2019. He was born on February 14, 1924 to Mr. Joseph F. and Anna (Glowacki) LaBuda in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from Warren Harding High School in January of 1942, where he played basketball and baseball for three years. He attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. He was the first player to start every varsity basketball game for all four years at Wittenberg. Chet was drafted into the military, to serve his country, while still a student at Wittenberg. Upon completion of his military service, Chet returned to Wittenberg and graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He was elected into the Wittenberg Athletic Hall of Honor for basketball in 1993 and the Warren Harding Hall of Honor in 1994. He also played American Legion Baseball in 1940 and 1941, and the team reached the state finals each year. Chet served in the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant and Navigator during WW II and received an Honorable Discharge in November of 1945. Chet obtained a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from The University of Michigan and began his teaching and coaching career. He taught P.E. and Social Studies while also being head basketball coach for St. Paris, New Lexington and Toledo Waite High School. While at Waite High School, Chet was also the Athletic Director from 1963 - 1966 and was promoted to Assistant Principal in 1966 and served in that capacity until 1974. Chet's final seven years in education were spent as an Administrator for Toledo Libbey High School; retiring in 1981. During his 33 years in education, Chet's mission was to instill the ideas of good sportsmanship, honesty, high moral character and good living habits in all of his students. Chet was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Millbury, Ohio. He was a long-time Sunday School Teacher and served on several church committees. Chet enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events and family reunions. He was proud of his Polish heritage and enjoyed each of his three trips to Poland to visit family members. He loved to polka dance and follow his Cleveland Indians. Left to cherish his memory are spouse: Marcelle (Gebhart) LaBuda; children Karen (Chip) Heim, Nancy (Marlon) Mueller, Lee Ann (Tim) Spiess, and Lynne (Ben) Foster; step-children Michelle (David) Skarzynski, Stella (Barry) Minkel, Stephanie Shepherd, Jean Shepherd and Todd Vandergaag; grandchildren, Karleigh Heim, Jacob and Andrew Mueller, Quentin, Marek and Brennan Spiess, Benjamin, Clarice and Sara Foster; step-grandchildren, Julie McCarthy, Daniel Minkel, Elaina Rivera, Allison Minkel, Sean and Ryan Brooks, Dalane Vandergaag, Todd Vandergaag Jr. and Grace Skarzynski; great-grandchildren, Beau, Kateigh and Duffy Zoruba; step-great grandchildren, Ronan, Maeve, Tomas McCarthy and Emery Carroll, and brother, Bill LaBuda and sister, Dorothy Kvesich. Chet was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Alice LaBuda; step-children, Raymond (Geraldine) Shepherd and Joseph Shepherd; brother, Henry LaBuda and sister, Eleanor Bryan. Do not shed one tear for me, For at last, I am completely free From all the problems here on Earth; To join at last, in Heaven's Mirth. I've had a full and happy life, Wonderful and free from strife. So mourn a bit if it's your will, But remember, God, He reigneth still! Family and friends will be received from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday, November 22, 2019, at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home (419-666-3121) 701 N. Main St. Walbridge, Ohio. The funeral will be held at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 10:30 am with a short visitation period beginning at 9:30 am. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park, Perrysburg, Ohio. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Chet's name, are asked to consider St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Millbury, Ohio or a charity of the donor's choosing.