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Allan ‘Kalevi’ Chapman

Allan ‘Kalevi’ Chapman

ISHPEMING, MI – Allan “Kalevi” Chapman, of 204 Ready St, Ishpeming passed away on his 81st birthday, July 18, 2017 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility while in the loving care of his family and UP Home Health and Hospice.

Allan was born July 18, 1936 in Negaunee to Mason and Gertrude (Oja) Chapman. He was a graduate of Ishpeming High School, class of 1954 and served his country in the U.S. Army 1955-1957.

Allan worked for Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company for 31 years, retiring in 1997. He was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church where he served as an usher, and a member of the Ishpeming ELKS Lodge #447, the Ishpeming Ski Club, and the Ishpeming Alumni Association where he served as past president and a contributor to the Beacon Light newsletter.

Allan was an accomplished ski jumper, who was on the 1960 Winter Olympics training team and was a trial rider during the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. Locally he participated in many ski tournaments winning many veterans class tournaments. His passion for ski jumping continued as he would be the radio broadcaster- announcer for the annual Ishpeming Ski Tournament held at Suicide Bowl in Ishpeming.

Allan was also an avid softball player, playing on many local teams and at one point played on a team that had 3 generations of Chapmans. Allan was also an accomplished bowler and was a mainstay in bowling leagues for many years.

Allan will be remembered as the Hematite’s #1 fan. He could always been seen sitting on the sidelines cheering the Hematites to victories. His motto for high school sports, “kids playing for a dream”, which he seen first hand watching the Ishpeming High School football teams winning multiple State Championships.

Allan is survived by his wife Darlene (Ayotte), whom he married on December 17, 1966, 4 brothers: Neil Chapman, Bruce Chapman, Michael (Linda) Chapman, and Ray (Peggy) Chapman, sisters-in-law: Marilyn Mager, Judy Treloar and Susan (Rodney) Scott, numerous nieces and nephews, special friends Ann and Jay Wilder and his canine companion Daisy.

Allan’s family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00am – 12:00 noon on Monday July 24, 2017 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon with Rev Lauri O. Maki and Rev. Thomas Wickstrom officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

Military honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #380.

Interment will take at Northland Chapel Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Jason, Dan, Jon and Macy Chapman, Jay Wilder, Tanner DellAngelo, Jeff and Isaac Olson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church or the Ishpeming Booster Club.

Allan’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.