Robert Chapin

1927 - 2013

Robert A. Chapin, 85, of Tripoli, died Thursday, Jan. 3, at the Waverly Health Center.
Robert Arthur Chapin, son of Myron and Minnifred Barr Chapin, was born Jan. 8, 1927, on the family farm where he still lived, near Tripoli. He was baptized at the Congregational Church of rural Tripoli. Robert received his education in the Tripoli Schools, graduating from Tripoli High School in 1945.
On May 28, 1950, he was united in marriage with Mary Lea Scott at Zion Lutheran Church in Readlyn. Bob farmed his entire life and also did carpentry and construction work. He was a longtime member of Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli.
In addition to his wife, Mary of Tripoli, he is survived by one son, Scott (Lisa) Chapin of Tripoli; two daughters, Debra (Danny) Brunscheon of Readlyn and Lori Wannebo of Eden Prairie, Minn.; nine grandchildren; three great–grandchildren; two sisters, LaVera Benzine of Janesville and Beth Lovejoy of Waverly; a sister-in-law, Marillyn Chapin; a brother-in-law, Lloyd Mallie of Mt. Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Dan Wannebo; a brother, John; three sisters, Winnifred Moehlis, Doris Mallie and Lorraine Lovejoy; and four brothers-in-law, Les Moehlis, Marvin Benzine, Keith Lovejoy and Garth Lovejoy.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, at Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli with Rev. Marilyn J. Sargent officiating. Friends could call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, at Rettig Funeral Home in Tripoli. Private family committal service will be at Fremont Cemetery in Tripoli at a later date.
Rettig Funeral Home in Tripoli is assisting the family, Online condolences may be left at www.beckermilnesrettig.com.