Robert H. Chapman, age 77, of Forest Lake and formerly of Fairmont, Plymouth and Buffalo, passed away peacefully November 9, 2013 at home. A celebration of his life and his accomplishments will be held from noon to 4 PM on Monday, November 18th at Flickabirds Resort 50155 Clover trail, Rush City MN.
Robert H Chapman was born 5/30/36 to Ken & Maureen Chapman. Bob will be dearly missed by his daughter, Becky (Bob) Hanson, grandsons, Ryan & Sean; best friend, Tom McIntyre; Donna, Tati, Mary, Erin and Lillie, his full time caregivers for the past 4 years; sons, James and Jeffrey.
Bob had a colorful past, attending high school in Ringsted, Iowa and Fairmont. He married Arlene Wehsener and was blessed with his first son Jeffrey. Arlene and Bob divorced and Jeffrey moved to California. Bob and Mary met Jeffrey again in 1997.
Bob and Mary were married 8/23/1958 in Ceylon, MN. He joined the US Army and served 1959-1962. James was born 1961. Bob worked for GM until he purchased his first home and L&S Express Company in 1969. In 1989 they sold their home and business in Plymouth and purchased property and built their dream home in Buffalo. A lifelong dream, they purchased and remodeled & opened Mallards Marsh/Cock & Bull Restaurant. After closing the restaurant, both of them worked for Becky. Signs of Alzheimer’s were noticed. Bob worked for the post office and for Muller-Pribyl in Maple Lake before retiring and staying at home.
Bob was a member of the Mpls. Eagles, VFW and Legion; he was a Minister of the Universal Life Church and had performed three marriages. He had his private pilot’s license and his last flight was with Ryan in 1987. He loved to fish with Tom and had many friends and drinking buddies. Bob showed happiness and was very kind the last few years of his life, he smiled and laughed with the wonderful people who cared for him. He was so excited when Ryan got engaged to Melissa and beamed when Becky would bring Melissa’s daughter Adrianna to visit.
Bob passed away peacefully 11/9/2013 in Forest Lake with loving arms around him. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary.
A special thanks for the wonderful support from: Bauman’s Assistance Living of Forest Lake, Allina Hospice, Brian Strike and the Strike Funeral Home of Cambridge.