Joseph “Joe” Chapla, age 88, currently a resident at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba passed away Sunday, June 29, 2008 following a lengthy illness.
Joe was born in Perronville, MI on April 2, 1920, the son Katen and Julia (Opalka) Chapla. In 1930 the family moved to the Schaffer area where his parents purchased a farm. Joe attended school in Schaffer through the 10th grade then went to Escanaba High School where he graduated in 1938. Joe began working as a machinist at the Howard Aircraft Company in Chicago then moved to Milwaukee and worked for the Ampco Metal Company. Joe enlisted in the United States Army in 1942 and later received an honorable discharge. Joe became a carpenter following his time in the Army. He joined the carpenter’s union in Escanaba with Local 1832 which is now Local 1510 on July 27, 1951. This year he would have been in the union for 57 years. He also belonged to the American Legion for over 35 years. Joe was united in marriage to Margaret Page on February 10, 1945 in Gladstone. Over the years, Joe’s family lived in Pine Ridge where he built a home. In 1994 he and his wife purchased a home in Escanaba at 228 N. 21st Street. Joe loved to play music and over the years played with a gospel songfest group in various convalescent homes over the years and also in churches such as the Watson Bible Chapel.
Joe is survived by:
His son: Rod (Joanne) Chapla of Escanaba
6 Grandchildren: Pam and Mike Chapla, Ross and Reed Payant, Jennie Flagstadt and Rebecca Masty
5 Great Grandchildren
Numerous nieces and nephews
Daughter-In-law: Mitzi Chapla of Escanaba
Sister-in-law: Elaine Chapla of Gladstone
Special Friends: Sherman and Sharon Martin, Wendy Pepin and Rick Dempski
He was preceded in death by:
His wife of 56 years, Margaret, on February 4, 2001, his son, Ricky Chapla, his daughter, Lisa Payant, his parents, four sisters, Helen Kotowski, Mildred McCarthy, Evelyn Riemer and Louise Yarrow and two brothers, Edward and Anthony Chapla.
Joe’s family will receive friends on Thursday, July 3 from 1:30 PM to 3:15 PM at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Rites will be presented at 3:15 PM at the funeral home by the Delta County Veterans Council. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 PM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following services in the church fellowship hall. Joe will be laid to rest next to his wife at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
