Darrel Leighton Chapman - 1947-2011
CHAPMAN, BURNHAM, OLSON, ORLANDO, SONNENBERG
Posted By: Connie Ellis (email)
Date: 6/24/2011 at 16:05:48
SOURCE: Sonnenberg Family Funeral Home, Tomah, Wisconsin obituary June 7, 2011
Contributor: Connie (Kelly) Ellis (Not related)Darrel Leighton Chapman, age 64, of LaCrosse, Wisconsin died Monday, June 6, 2011 at his home. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at the Oak Grove Cemetery Chapel in LaCrosse with military honors by the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post #52. Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home of Tomah, Wisconsin is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Darrel was born January 1, 1947 to Cecil and Ruth (Burnham) Chapman in Waukon, Iowa. He was a member of the Waukon High School graduating Class of 1965. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. In February of 1973, Darrel was united in marriage to Brenda Olson. He was later united in marriage to Liz Orlando on December 31, 1996.
He worked for various different companies as a salesman over the years and when living in Hartland, Wisconsin he worked for RIA as a salesman and regional manager. In 2002, Darrel moved back to the LaCrosse area and has resided there since. Darrel enjoyed traveling all over the United States, visiting national parks and friends along the way. A few of his most memorable trips were the annual fishing trips to Canada with his boys and the surprise visit to Ireland to meet up with Ethan and Andrew. Upon his return from his adventures, Darrel loved to share the pictures of his travels with his friends.
Recently he had the honor of serving as a chaperone for the World War II Freedom Honor Flight to Washington D.C. When Darrel wasn't traveling he enjoyed the company of good friends and neighbors, reminiscing, sharing jokes and on occasion sharing a drink or two. He had a gentle and generous heart. He was always a true gentleman and will be remembered for his kindness to those he loved and his great sense of humor.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Sidney Chapman and Dale Chapman and a sister Grenlin Chapman.
He is survived by 2 sons, Ethan Chapman of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Andrew Chapman of Denver, Colorado, their mother Brenda Sonnenburg of Tomah, Wisconsin; 2 brothers, Vernon Chapman of Jesup, Iowa and Wayne Chapman of Arizona; 4 "adopted" children, Dr. Robert (Trish) Sonnenburg of Pestigo, Wisconsin, Patricia Sonnenburg of Tomah, Wisconsin, Joshua Sonnenburg of Tomah, Wisconsin, and Rebecca Sonnenburg of LaCrosse, Wisconsin; 4 "adopted" grandchildren, Max, Emma, Clare, and Sophia Sonnenburg; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In addition Darrel is further survived by many, many loving friends and acquaintances from Waukon, Iowa and other communities Darrel's path journeyed.
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