Chaffee, Richard 1929 – 2012
CHAFFEE, LIEN, ZIMMERMAN, ROHRER, SWANSON, WHITE, GANT, SINK, LEE
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/3/2013 at 15:08:26
Source: Decorah Public Opinion October 30, 2012, Page A-8
Richard ‘Dick’ Chaffee
Richard “Dick” Chaffee, 82, of La Crosse, Wis., died unexpectedly Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012. Memorial services were at 11 Monday, Oct. 29 at North Presbyterian Church, 1327 N. Salem Rd. in La Crosse, Wis. Visitation was from 9 a.m to the time of service. Burial is in Austin, Minn, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to North Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice. Information and on-line condolences may be given to the family at dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.
Dick was born December 17, 1929, in Austin, Minn., the son of Ellen (Lien) and John Chaffee. Dick graduated from Austin High School in 1948. He attended Luther College in Decorah for two years and then joined the U.S. Navy where he eventually became a member of the West Coast Navy Dance Band. After his discharge, he continued his musical endeavors, playing with such bands as the Bill May Band, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Ralph Marterie and the Dorsey Brothers’ Band. He returned to Austin, Minn., and married Elaine Zimmerman in 1957. They had two daughters, Suzanne and Nancy, while living in Austin.
In 1964, they moved to Decorah, and purchased Nob Hill Supper Club where he was able to continue his love of entertaining whether on the stage with his bands or serving his customers. After they sold Nob Hill in 1976, Dick and Elaine eventually moved to La Crosse, Wis. in 1979, where they returned to the restaurant business, running the Pettibone Boat Club for several seasons and also continuing his involvement with various bands.
Following Elaine’s death in 1991, he continued playing trumpet in various bands including his Stardust Big Band, Al Townsend’s Wonderful World of Jazz and the Grumpy Old Men, as well as several reunion concerts of the Navy Band. In 1995, he married Jane Lee Rohrer.
Dick is survived by his wife, Jane; two daughters, Suzanne (Jack) Swanson of Menasha, Wis., and Nancy Chaffee of Durham, N.C.; three grandchildren: Katie Swanson of Minneapolis, Minn., Kurt Swanson of Iowa City and Kari Swanson of Northfield, Minn.; a brother, Robert (Julie) Chaffee of Missoula, Mont.; sisters-in-law Sally (Bill) White, Susan (Larry) Gant, Mary (Dennis) Sink; and brother-in-law Scott (Judy) Lee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Elaine.
Transcribed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers.
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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