December 3, 2023 – Washington County, WI – Ralph Chapman of West Bend, died on December 1, 2023. He was born in Port Washington on September 12, 1933, to Everett and Martha (Normann) Chapman. Following graduation from Saint Mary’s Elementary School, and Port Washington High School (class of 1952), he joined the Army.
He served his country in Korea and Hawaii. Upon his return, he married Mary Hoffmann in 1957. He worked at Freeman Chemical in Saukville, until his retirement in 1993.
Ralph and Mary had four children; Anne (Al) of Belgium, WI Katherine (Mark) Schrubbe of Wauwatosa, David (Jean) of Berlin WI, and Julie (Matt) Miller of Oshkosh. He was very proud of his four grandchildren; Andy (Toni) Krick, Emily Belter, Rachel (James) Clemons, and Adam (Erin) Schrubbe. Further survived by five great-grandchildren.
Ralph was known to be an avid cribbage and card player. Each grandchild was given a homemade cribbage board, upon graduation from high school. Volunteer service during his later years included the West Bend Lions, Holy Angels Church Human Concerns Group, and the Red Cross. In retirement, he spent time researching and updating his family tree.
Mary preceded him in death after a long bout with cancer. At a church social he met Margaret (Ciriacks) Goeden of West Bend; marrying in 1990. With this marriage, he was pleased to claim her children and their families. Her children are Richard (Linda) Goeden of Saukville, Maureen Anderson of Oregon, WI., Mary Beth (John) Bales of West Bend, and Margaret (Kevin) Whan of Hong Kong. Her nine grandchildren are Megan Goeden (Brian Schulte), Nic Goeden, Paul Goeden, Cathleen Goeden, Elizabeth (Christopher) Holdren, Abby (Adam) Cummings, Greta (Jason) Munns, Emma Anderson and Nigel Whan. Further survived by seven great-grandchildren.
Ralph and Margie enjoyed traveling in retirement; taking in much of the United States and Canada. Much time was spent at the cottage in Oconto County. Family and friends added much to their life together.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 6 from 9:30 until 11:15 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church 138 N. 8th Ave., West Bend, WI, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Saukville at 2:30 p.m.
Memorials to the American Cancer Society or the National Parkinson Foundation are appreciated.
