Jeron K. Chapman Sr.

Jeron Kelly Chapman Sr., age 71, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2014, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. He was a Christmas Baby in December 1941, born to Kelly and Mildred Chapman in Iron Mountain. He later moved to Racine and married his high school sweetheart, Joanne, in 1960.

Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific and Vietnam campaigns. After serving four years in the Navy, Jeron went to work at Racine Hydraulics in 1964 and retired thirty-eight years later when the company was known as Bosch Rexroth.

Jerry started his own business in 1972 under the name of Chap’s Refrigeration and A.C. for many successful decades. He cherished becoming a member of the VFW Post 1391 in 1990, and joining the Cootie Seam Squirrel for Pup Tent 5. Jerry was noted for his volunteering and helping out whenever needed.

Through the years, Jerry enjoyed all sports, including dirt biking and ice racing on his motorcycle, golfing and archery. His biggest love was hunting and fishing. As he said, “A bad day of fishing was better than any good day at work.”

Jerry left behind his wife, Joanne; a legacy of three beautiful children, Jacqueline (Larry) Kohel, Jennifer (Skip) Maletta, Jeron (Kelly) Chapman Jr.; two wonderful grandchildren, Jessica and Andrew Maletta; a sister, Evelyn (Jon) Anderson; his twin sister, Sharon Schwulst; other relatives and many good friends.

A funeral service followed by Full Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Relatives and friends may meet at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until time of service. Private interment will be held at Graceland Cemetery.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888