Carol G. (Gettelfinger) Chappel

1940 - 2025

It is with profound sorrow that the Chappel/Gettelfinger Families inform our friends of the death of our beloved Carol Gettelfinger Chappel, widow of Dr. A.T. Chappel, stepmother, step-grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and aunt on December 21, 2025. Carol was born on January 28, 1940, in rural Harrison County, Indiana to Leo and Anna Josephine Gill Gettelfinger. She was the youngest girl of 12 children in a Catholic farm family. She attended St. Michael School and the Academy of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana. Upon high school graduation she entered the Convent of the Immaculate Conception, being the fourth daughter in the family to enter the Benedictine Order. She obtained her B.S. degree from St. Benedict's College and her M.S. in Education from Indiana University.

Carol taught for 37 years, 27 of which were as a second grade teacher at Northwood Elementary School in Franklin, Indiana. She was an extremely popular and beloved teacher, and her influence extended through generations of Franklin and Johnson County residents. Awards and accolades were extended to her by all reaches of the community, including "Senior Choice-Most Influential Educator" 9 times; Shining Star nominee for excellence in teaching 1990; Arvin Industries Teacher of the Year 1992; award for outstanding service to total Catholic education 1993; semi-finalist Indiana Teacher of the Year 1994; award from City of Franklin for Notable Accomplishment in Environmental Awareness 1995; Certificate of Recognition for Environmental Awareness 1996; Franklin Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year 2009, among many more.

Carol was also an active member in her church and educational community. At St. Rose of Lima, she was President of the Board of Education and a member of the parish Pastoral Council. She was a textbook reviewer for 1994 Reading and Handwriting Adoption; secretary, vice-president and president of Franklin Classroom Teacher's Association; charter member and secretary of Johnson County Council of Indiana Reading Association; Governor's Task Force; State Reading Adoption Committee; local Computer Technology Committee; Grade level chairperson PBA (school improvement plan); Peer Review Committee; member of initial group for C.L.A.S.S. (Connecting Learning Assures Successful Students); judge for Odyssey of the Mind; and state judge for Mathematics Pentathlon. For 12 years Carol was involved in training future teachers: hosting student teachers from Franklin College and Indiana University as well as participating in internship programs at Franklin College and the cadet program at Franklin Community High School. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, international teachers' society and PEO Sisterhood (an international philanthropic organization focusing on continuing education) where she served as chairman of the Program Committee, vice-president, and president.

Other community service included Republican Precinct Committeeperson for 5 years; Franklin Community School Corporation representative to the Johnson County Sewer and Water Management District board and in 1995 received the JCSW District's Environmental Stewardship Award; Board of Advisors of Girls Inc. where she chaired the Fundraising Committee for two years; Johnson County Foundation where she served on the Social Committee for their annual fundraiser.

After her retirement in 2000, Carol continued to serve her community as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 1818, Rotary International, and the United Way, helping in the aftermath of Franklin's horrific flood of 2008. She also found time to travel abroad, first two girls' trips to England, Ireland and Scotland, then a "Grand European Tour" with her sister, and finally a visit to the Holy Land.

After 15 years of service, Sister Carol Gettelfinger left the Benedictine Order in July, 1973 and married Dr. A.T. Chappel in November of that same year. Theirs was literally a match made in heaven and they continued to work together for the community in a myriad of ways for the next 26 years. After retiring from his medical practice, Dr. Chappel went on to serve two terms as County Commissioner with Carol by his side campaigning and accompanying him on his duties. Likewise, her husband enthusiastically supported Carol in her teaching career, often participating in special classroom activities and cheering her on as she received award after award for her dedication and creativity. The pair was inseparable, sharing each other's hobbies-hunting, fishing, golf, tennis, tailgating for IU football games, and the Indianapolis 500, as well as many travel experiences. Few couples have the unconditional devotion and affection that Carol and A.T. represented.

Carol Chappel was preceded in death by her husband, stepson Jeffrey Chappel, and all but one of her Gettelfinger siblings.

She is survived by Sister Norma Gettlefinger; the many Gettelfinger nieces and nephews; stepchildren Devon Chappel Dishinger (Jay), Dr. Christopher Chappel (Lollie), and Jill Chappel Hough (Ian) along with their children and grandchildren. Carol will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, Carol and the family request donations be made in Carol's memory to Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community, 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN 46131 or St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 114 Lancelot Drive, Franklin, IN 46131.

Father Tim DeCrane will conduct a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 31st at 12 Noon with a time of gathering for family and friends from 10:00 A.M. until 12 Noon. Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling her arrangements. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date in Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin, Indiana.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.