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Walt Chapman
1942 - 2020
Walt Chapman
1942 - 2020
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Walt Chapman Obituary
Madison - Walt Chapman died Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at home of heart failure. He was born June 6, 1942, in Madison, Wisconsin, to John Webb and Gladys Chapman. After graduating from Baraboo High School in 1960, he attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, graduating in 1964 with a degree in history. He later earned a masters degree in history from Wisconsin State University at Stevens Point.
Teaching high school American History was his passion, and he was especially adept in drawing out his students with his unique sense of humor and firm, but fair, style. Several students commented, "You always made us smile no matter how bad our day was."
Fellow teachers came to anticipate and appreciate his "literary exposes" as related in his "special" letters to the faculty.
His teaching years included Seymour High School, Seymour, Wisconsin, from 1964 to 1967, and Marshfield High School, Marshfield, Wisconsin, from 1970 to 1999.
As a break from teaching, Uncle Sam invited Walt to Vietnam in 1968, where he learned new lessons about life and varied types of people. This knowledge enriched his teaching and life philosophy.
Hobbies he loved were weight training ( which he shared with his family and students ), sports (He was an All Conference football lineman at Lawrence), and enthusiastic political discussions.
Survivors are his wife Mary, whom he married on July 15, 1968, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; son Joel ( Amy) Chapman; daughter Julie Chapman; cherished grandsons Ben and Sam Chapman; brother John ( Marge) Chapman, sister-in-law Barb Vander Putten; sister-in-law Margaret Soffian; several nephews and nieces; and his beloved buddy Petey.
Preceding him in death were two special brothers-in-law, Wayne Vander Putten and Gerry Vander Putten.
A memorial gathering will be held when the world rights itself.
Donations in Walt's name can be directed to
UW Health Cardiovascular Medicine Clinic
600 Highland Avenue
Madison, WI 53792
We are forever grateful to the three cardiac teams who cared for Walt.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gene & Carolyn McNurlen
January 11, 2021
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Walt. He was a good friend during our high school days in Baraboo. We have so many memories especially playing football for the Thunderbirds. He was one of the best. Our prayers are with his family.
Richard Rapport, MD
January 5, 2021
I played football with Walt at Lawrence University in the early 60's. He was a very good ball player on good Lawrence teams in those years, and a better teammate. In those years, before football became the financially driven spectacle that it is now, teammates were important. I learned a lot from Walter about football and friendship.
Trace Hall
November 25, 2020
One of my favorite teachers I ever had. He made History Class fun! He always had a smile when he greeted me as I came into class , even when I was late sometimes:) Class of 1984.
John Armbruster
November 24, 2020
The picture I sent was posted for my American History students as part of our virtual lesson for today. I have taught middle school and high school history for 28 years. Mr. Chapman was my 10th grade American History teacher.
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Dave
November 24, 2020
So very sorry to learn of Walt's passing. He was a great teacher. Prayers to your family. Dave (student)
Kelly Altmann
November 23, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Lori (Haupt) Brenner
November 23, 2020
Mr. Chapman was one of my favorite teachers, and I will always remember how kind and fair he was. I always looked forward to his class. I also remember seeing him at the Y several years after high school and he gave me advice on my lat pulldowns "pinch a pencil between your shoulder blades". I still think of that every time I do a lat pulldown. He will be dearly missed, may he rest in peace.
Seth Koenig
November 23, 2020
I am very sorry to hear of Walt's passing. He was a great teacher and a very kind man. I truly looked forward to attending his class each day. Please accept my condolences and prayers.
Suzanne Graham Till
November 22, 2020
Mr. Chapman was one of the best, most inspiring teachers I ever had. His sense of humor, warm smile, and amazing perspective encouraged many students get through those tough days that teens go through. Praying for the Chapman family.
Denise Sonnemann
November 21, 2020
So sorry for your loss. He was a great teacher. Always had a smile and time for his students.
Jef Schnitzler
November 21, 2020
We all have that one teacher that gives us a lifelong love of a particular subject. Walt Chapman made history that subject for many of us. My deepest sympathies to his family for their loss.
Darlene
November 21, 2020
He was a kind and funny neighbor/friend who always made you smile. And he sure liked to mow lawn! And draw an eye roll at times, with his sense of humor. Peace be with the family, and especially our friend Mary. the Krake’s of Marshfield.
Colleen Weix
November 21, 2020
So very sorry for your loss. Mr Chapman was my History teacher in Marshfield and at the top of my list of best teachers ever. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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