Robert E. Chaffee

1927 - 2024

Robert E. Chaffee

Robert E. Chaffee passed away on January 14, 2024 in Missoula, Montana of natural causes at the age of 96.

Robert was born on March 24, 1927 in Austin, Minnesota to John and Ellen (Lien) Chaffee, and joined older brother Richard.

Robert enlisted in the US Navy in 1946. Upon his honorary discharge, he worked for the George A. Hormel Company in Austin, Minnesota, as a sheet metal worker for 33 years until his retirement in 1982. Robert was proud to work for Hormel and was known as one of the best tinsmiths and welders in his trade. Robert was also an excellent carpenter and wood carver.

Robert met his first wife Norma at the Terp Ballroom dancing to all the great music of that time period. They would marry on December 15, 1952 and later had two children, Julie and Jon. Norma passed away in October 1977.

Robert later met and married Julie Ann Everson on October 26, 1979 who had two children, Todd and Lisa Everson. Julie passed away in November 2017.

Robert, Julie, Todd, and Lisa moved to Montana in 1984 to be close to his daughter and grandchildren.

Robert's favorite things to do in life were listening to music, dancing, bird hunting with his son and grandson, golfing, fishing and downhill skiing (he taught all his children and grandchildren to ski and golf). Robert was a member of the Austin Country Club and the Missoula Country Club. He was an avid outdoorsman and sports enthusiast.

All his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren loved him dearly and appreciated all the good things he did to help them in life.

Robert was preceded in death by parents, John and Ellen; wives, Norma and Julie; brother, Richard; and son, Todd.

Survived by children, Julie, Jon (Beth) and Lisa (Danny); grandchildren, Erica Richardson-Tranmer (Adam), Scott Richardson, Jeremy Brown, McKenna Brown, Camden Brown, and Aaron Brown; great grandchildren, Nellie Tranmer, Thomas Tranmer, and Emmie Tranmer.

A graveside service for Robert will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 25 at Oakwood Cemetery, 1800 4th Street NW, Austin, MN, 55912 with the Reverend Mark Van House officiating. Austin American Legion Post #91 and Olaf B. Damm Post #1216 V.F.W. are in charge of military rites. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. clasenjordan.com