Jerome B. “Chappie” Chapman, age 97 years, passed away peacefully and entered eternal peace on Sunday, April 10, at Samaritan Health Center. Jerry was born on September 2, 1918 in Random Lake, Wisconsin to Henry and Minnie (nee Meyer) Chapman. He was united in marriage to Dolores “Tootie” Van Beek in May of 1941 and together they had three children.
He served his country in the Navy during WWII as an Electrician’s Mate, Second Class in the North Pacific on the U.S. Teal. He served from 1943-1945.
Upon return, he operated the Standard Oil station on Main Street from 1945-1948. He joined the West Bend Police Department in 1954 until his retirement in 1977. In his retirement years, he worked for Jim and Dave’s Building Supply as well as serving as a bailiff for Washington County.
He enjoyed his retirement years in Mesa, AZ during the winter months, until recently. He belonged to the Henry H. Gumm VFW Post #486 in Jackson, Wisconsin.
He is survived by his beloved companion, Hedy Gumm. His loving children: Carol Uhrick of Fountain Hills, AZ, David (Linda) Chapman of Oro Valley, AZ and Susan Chapman of Allenton, WI, brothers Raymond and Leroy Chapman both from West Bend, WI. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Peter Torcivia of Corpus Christi, TX, Amy (Wayne) Scheel of Chandler, AZ, Laura (Brandon) Torrez of Greeley, CO, Amanda (Sam) Parker of NSW Australia, Matthew Chapman of Denver, CO, Dustin Hansen of Chicago, IL, Kyle Hansen of Encinitas, CA and Lindsey Hansen of Allenton, WI. He is further survived by 7 great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his wife, Tootie, as well as brothers Leo at infancy, Milfred, Elmer, Eugene and Richard Chapman, sister, Lucille and his twin sister, LaVerne Heiting.
Jerry loved watching the Brewers and Packers. He was an avid golfer and loved the game which he played for close to 80 years, playing well into his 90s.
He will be deeply missed by his children, relatives, friends and the people of West Bend. The family would like to thank the caring staff of Samaritan Health Center and Ally Hospice.
A Memorial Mass to celebrate Chappie’s life will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 16, at St. Francis Cabrini Church (1025 S. 7th Ave., West Bend) .
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the West Bend Police Explorers, 350 Vine Street, West Bend, WI 53095 or the American Lung Association.