Harold P. Chase

Harold P. Chase Battle Creek Harold Paul Chase, 94, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek, MI. He was a beloved former Lakeview High School government teacher. He was born August 5, 1918 in Munising, MI the son of Frank B. Chase and Mary R. (Chartrand) Chase. He graduated from Mather High School in 1936. He enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps, stationed at Camp Evelyn in Munising. Moved to Ypsilanti, MI in the spring of 1937; there he worked for the Ford Motor Company, River Rouge plant till May 1941. He was drafted into U S Army June 1941 where he was stationed at Fort Knox, KY and served in the European Theater until he was discharged in 1945. He was a Private first class with Company K 423rd Infantry Division during World War II, where he received the following medals for: American Defense Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze star, the Good Conduct Medal, and Victory Medal of World War II. Harold was a member of the American Legion Post 131 of Munising and the VFW. He married the former JoAnn Louise Bigger on December 23, 1941 in Ypsilanti, MI; however she preceded him in death August 30, 1995. He returned to Ypsilanti after the service and was an Office Manager for the Ypsilanti Farm Bureau till 1949. Harold returned to Munising to work at the Peoples State Bank; which was later purchased by Chase Bank. He moved to Marshall, Mich. in 1952 where he worked in the Mobile Metal Home Industry till 1958. He enrolled at WMU to finish requirements for his Michigan teacher's certificate. Mr. Chase began teaching at Lakeview High (Battle Creek, MI) in 1961 where he taught American Government, was the head of the Social Studies department and was the chairman of the National Honors Society for many years. "Mr. Chase" as he was called by his students was a cavalier gentleman who had just the right knack for reaching out to students and making learning fun and challenging. He just had charisma and a marvelous smile. He retired from teaching 1978 and moved to the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee. When his first wife, JoAnn passed away, he moved back to Michigan in 1996. He met and married the former Karen Krauchunas at St. Joseph Catholic Church on June 8, 1998. Harold's favorite pastimes were reading especially anything to do with the Civil War, discussing politics, and watching anything to do with antiques on T.V. He loved the outdoors and could be found chopping wood, puttering around his workshop; playing cards and traveling. The highlight of his week was the Thursday morning breakfasts at the Big Boy with his teaching buddies. He was also the proud owner of a gun that once belonged to a member of the Purple Gang. He loved to do crossword puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune. In July of 2012, he bought and surprised his wife, Karen, the Quarter Horse she had been leasing for the past two years. The registered name of the horse is My Last Asset and he delighted in telling people that he had given Karen his "Last Asset". Harold is survived by his wife Karen Chase of Battle Creek, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother: Burl Chase; and three sisters: Audrey Swan, Leone Fisette and Jean Miller. Cremation has been conducted and at Harold's request there will be a private graveside services with military honors on Friday, November 2, 2012 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with his close friend Pastor Gary T. Cantrell of the Gull Lake Bible Church officiating. The cremated remains will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to the wonderful Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. There are photos of Harold on the funeral home website. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 Please leave a fond remembrance or condolence message on Harold Chase's web page at www.bachmanhebble.com