Chauncey S. Gensichen

July 26, 1917 - Dec. 17, 1999

Chauncey Sheele Gensichen, 82, of South Bend, Ind., passed away at the Fountain View Retirement Village in Buchanan. Mich., on Friday, Dec. 17.

He was born on July 26, 1917, in Buchanan, to Victor and Dora Gensichen, and lived in South Bend for most of his life.

Chauncey was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, lolene, who passed away on J June 3, 1999. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Wava Gensichen; and by a brother, Harold Gensichen of Mission Viejo, Calif.

Chauncey graduated from Central High School in South Bend. He was a referee for pro basketball in his younger years.

He served in the Army and received a Victory Medal in World War Il. He had been a member of the BPO Elks Lodge 235, and was a past member of the Shrine Club. He was also active in the Orak Tuxedo Patrol. Chauncey was owner and operator of an A & W Restaurant for more than 30 years, and Chauncey's Family Restaurant until retiring.

He is survived by a stepson, Tom (Toni) Sheridan of South Bend; a stepdaughter, Marti (Bob) Murdock of South Bend; four stepgrandchildren and three step great-grandchildren; and by a son, Jay Decker, and a daughter, Jean Jones, from his first marriage.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, in the Forest G. Hay Funeral Home, located on Ironwood and Jefferson in South Bend. Family and friends may call from 3 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Entombment at Riverview Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to either the Alzheimer's Association, Northern Indiana Chapter in South Bend, or to Hospice of St. Joseph County, South Bend

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

07/12/2025 EJS