Donald Chapin, 81, Served in the Air Force and Was a Passionate Traveler

Donald Chapin, a long-time resident and community member of Eau Claire, Wisconsin died April 19, 2013 in Sandwich, Illinois where he had lived the past few years with his wife of 58 years, Joanne.

Don moved to Eau Claire in 1974 for the opportunity to work at Pope &Talbot paper mill where he was Chief Engineer until his retirement in 1996. During his time in Eau Claire, Don and Joanne raised eleven children.

Don was born in Bristol, Connecticut in 1931 and upon graduation from high school enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he represented our country during the Korean conflict and where he met his wife Joanne who was also a member of the Air Force.  

After his retirement, Don and his wife Joanne lived in Corvallis, Oregon, Gulf Shores and Ft. Payne Alabama and finally relocated to Sandwich, Illinois.

Don and Joanne were passionate travelers and journeyed to many places including Cyprus, Russia, most of Europe, Malta and Egypt.

Don was a tall and an affable man.  Known for his sense of humor and positive nature, he enjoyed breakfast at local coffee shops, his riding lawnmower, a good cigar and his automobiles.  Don was an avid sports fan and enjoyed rooting for the Minnesota Twins in Illinois especially when they were beating the White Sox. He also enjoyed building dollhouses for his granddaughters and for charities.

Don will be missed most by his family but also by many friends and others he touched during his lifetime.  Family members who mourn his loss include his wife Joanne, children Mark (Margo Bock), Todd, Sean (Sally), Barry (Gretchen Fisher), Gena (Duane) Gerdin, Brian (Kathi), Christopher (Jody), Bridget (Jon) Leonhard, Steve (Beth),Don Jr. (Julie), Carrie (Michael Muth) Chapin, his seventeen grandchildren, and family caregiver, Barbara Sopel. Good-bye Dad!  We will miss you very much.

Don will be honored on Tuesday, April 23^rd at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 340 W. Arnold Street in Sandwich, IL. Visitation will take place from 9:30 until 11:00 am with mass to follow. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 552-7211.