Neil Mason Chapman
ISHPEMING, MI – Neil Mason Chapman, age 88, of 835 Patriot St. in North Lake Location, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, where he resided for the past three months.
Neil was born in Negaunee, MI, on Dec. 6, 1934, a son of the late E. Gertrude (Oja) and Mason Chapman. Neil grew up in Ishpeming, and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1953. Neil served in the U.S. Army, from 1955-1957. He married Joan Pepin on May 10, 1958, in Ishpeming. Neil worked for the McKee Construction Co., and then as payroll clerk for the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Co. at the Pioneer Pellet Plant and Empire Mine for 27 years, retiring in 1992.
Neil was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, and the Ishpeming Elks Lodge #447. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, reading, listening to country music along with singing in St. John’s church and funeral choirs for years. Papa Neil as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren, enjoyed following their events and activities.
Neil is survived by a daughter Carol (Brett) Long of San Jacinto, CA, two sons, Dan (Debbie) Chapman of Ishpeming and Jon (Cindy) Chapman of Aurora, IL, brothers, Bruce Chapman of Ishpeming, Michael (Linda) Chapman of Marquette and Ray (Peggy) Chapman of Ishpeming, grandchildren, Kayla (Jesse) Chapman-Durant, Alyssa (Jackson) Unteriner, Megan (Sean) Beachnau, Heather Miller, Brett (Jessica) Long Jr., Erin (David) Bussom, great grandchildren – Zoey Durant, Felicity Miller, Clayton Miller, Kassidy Long, Kiley Long, Anora Bussom, Brekken Bussom along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan Chapman, brother Allan (Darlene) Chapman and sisters-in-law, Mary and Linda Chapman.
The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday Dec. 4, 2023, at the Bethel Lutheran Church where a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Tim Johnston officiating. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Camp Upeninsulin (Youth with Diabetes Summer Camp), 1135 Co Rd 492, Marquette, MI 49855, or at campupeninsulin.com or Bethel Lutheran Church, 333 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, MI 49849.
Neil’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.