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Bob Chappuis Obituary
The school says Chappuis had been hospitalized after a fall earlier in the week and died late Thursday at the UM Hospital surrounded by his wife, Ann, and their four children.
Chappuis played for the Wolverines in 1942 before his career was interrupted by World War II. As an aerial gunner and radio operator on B-25 bombers, Chappuis was shot down over Italy and remained in that country until the end of the war.
The triple-threat back resumed his playing career after the war and finished second to Notre Dame's John Lujack in the Heisman balloting in 1947 when he led the "Mad Magicians" to an undefeated season and the national title.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
41 Entries
Susan Francis Meyer
July 11, 2012
I lived on West Drive and was friends with Mary. We had a great neighborhood! I remember Mary's parents as very kind and loving people. My brother happened upon Bob's passing on a football site on the web. I'm so thankful to have found out, and have the opportunity to send my condolences to your family and revisit memories from my childhood.
I lost my Dad in 2008, and know the deep loss you are experiencing. My thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family. My Mom, Dottie Francis, and brother, Bob also have you in their thoughts. God bless.
June 25, 2012
My husband, Charles Cohagen, was a school chum of Bob's (DeVillbus '39 - Toledo, Ohio.) He always spoke very highly of Bob. A pleasant surprise to read about him in this week's TIME Magazine. Sincerely, Mrs. Charles Cohagen
Mary Lou McFadden
June 24, 2012
I shall always remember his smiling face as he greeted me in the UM Press Box. He was truly a Great Michigan Man.We will all miss him. May he Rest in Peace
GO BLUE
Linda Muehlig
June 24, 2012
To the Chappuis family,
My condolences to you on the loss of Michigan great and family man Bob Chappuis. My sister, Carol, was proud to play the organ for his funeral and to end with the Victors. Carol and I just lost our younger brother, Gary, who died very suddenly in May. Gary was a lifelong Michigan fan steeped in the history of Michigan football. He knew about Mr. Chappuis' gridiron feats as well as the story of his narrow escape during World War II. Gary had a vintage, signed photograph of #49, and it was on display in our home. I hope that by now Gary has met Mr. Chappuis in football heaven and they are sharing stories with Bo, Ufer, Tom Harmon, Crisler, and all the other Michigan men.
My family almost met Mr. Chappuis two years ago when he was at Glacier Hills at the same time our mother was there. We went past his room many times, but felt we shouldn't intrude on his privacy. I'm so sorry we didn't get to meet him.
My thoughts are with your family; I wish you strength and comfort at this time. No matter when a loved one passes, it always seems too soon.
Go Blue, forever.
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Kathy Hay
June 21, 2012
I am so sorry I did not see him this spring. I will miss my hero.
Gary Huguenard
June 21, 2012
Mrs. Chappuis
Just heard about Mr. Chappuis's passing.
I'll always remember the kindness and patience the two of you exhibited toward all of us (Rob's high school friends). You always made us feel welcomed in your home. He was a great and down-to-earth gentleman...a loss to all.
Dave Den Houter
June 20, 2012
It was an honor and privilege to meet Bob several years ago at the U of M Club of Ann Arbor. He was a postwar football hero for many of my friends and I. In person he impressed me with his wonderful sense of humility and humor about his accomplishments, while being so thoughtful and grateful to others. My condolences to his family and close friends.
June 20, 2012
I never knew Bob except for his great football playing with that great Michigan backfield--and he was the best. I was just a kid but I still rember all their names. Had not heard of his time in WW2--just makes him more of a hero to me. Then he moved to Ft Wayne where I lived. I always wanted to meet him but never did. So sorry to hear of his passing. God be with you and your family.
June 20, 2012
Dear Ann, and your expanded family (that adorable great grandaughter),
Marie and I extend our most sincere condolences to you and the family. Cousin,Bob was for decades my idol, and I will miss him so much. He was my inspiration to attend Michigan in 1951 to study enginneering It was difficult at first, having graduated from a small Ohio high school senior class of only six boys and eleven girls. Bob, and his teammates at MICHIGAN always set their moral and athletic standards to the highest level. This was my inspiration to make the grade as a student (Yes, you can-----and Yes, I did) Thanks, Bob and Ann for all the fondest memories. They seem only like yesterday! As a member of the Michigan Glee Club (founded 1859) I remember singing in Toledo,OH at the Michigan Alumni dinner and Bob's parents and my parents were in attendance to enjoy the concert. Uncle Sylvan and Aunt Mary were strong supporters of my student days at MICHIGAN Bob's family roots extended very deep which speaks volumes about the moral and loving character which Bob always pocessed. He loved my parents a great deal and the Kaiser family were so proud of Bob and all that MICHIGAN stands for. And, as the Michigan Glee Club used to sing as a part of the Wolverine medley of songs-----"I'll never forget my Ann Arbor days".
We love you, Ann and RIP, Bob.
Rich and Marie Kaiser Sandpoint, Idaho.
Jean Goodman-Hayes
June 20, 2012
To all of the Chappuis Family,
I use to spend a lot of time at your home on East Drive in Fort Wayne. Betsy and I were best of friends. I just talked to Betsy on her way to Utah. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Betsy, I will be in touch with you at a later time. Love you girl!!!
Anne & Howard Cooper
June 20, 2012
Dear Ann,
We are so very sorry that you and your family have lost Bob. He was indeed witty, warm, generous and kind, all perfectly describe his wonderful personality. He was the best story teller we know.
We join you in your grief over the loss of Bob. He was a great, great man.
Love,
Anne & Howard Cooper
June 19, 2012
Ann: On behalf of the Kaiser family I offer our condolences. I spent many years listening to my Father (Jim) and my Uncle Rich talk about their cousin Bob's accomplishments. As a result I have been a Michigan fan for my entire life. I remember my Grandmother telling the story that she knew Bob was going to be all right after being shot down over Italy. She called her sister Mary and told her. It was a short time later that Bob was found alive and well. May God grant you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Michael James Kaiser Grand Rapids, MI.
Charles & Patricia Harvin
June 19, 2012
Ann, we'll miss Bob's smile and good nature at the First Pres.Wednesday dinners. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go thru this difficult time.We look forward to seeing you in the fall.
Steven Bye
June 19, 2012
Last of the GREAT HERO'S. Part of America's GREATEST Generation.
Donna and Paul Kamke
June 19, 2012
Mrs. Chappuis, Rob and Family, we were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob Dillon
June 19, 2012
To: The Chappuis Family -- My Sincerest Condolences to You all -- When My family (of 5 Children - Very Young)- Moved from Detroit to Fort Wayne & Moved into our Home on East Drive We were blessed to move into a Wonderful neighborhood with neighbors like the Chappuis's -- Rodger Nelson & Bob always seemed to Make our Neighborhood Gatherings really Delightful -- And of Course, having grown up in Detroit as a Michigan Fan - Wow - Here - Down the Block from Me - is one of the all te great U of M Football Players!! What a Thrill - & what an Unassuming wonderful Neighbor!! We'll always Remember those Times!! And not too Long ago I had the opportunity - to "work" with Mark on some Business for Park Place - with FTW Newcomers -- Also a real Pleasure - All the Best to You all!
Gwen Sordelet
June 19, 2012
Mark & Cindy -
Thoughts, Prayers and my Sympathy to you and your family.
Lynn Yerges Buhl
June 18, 2012
As the daughter of one of those 1947 Mad Magicians, I have always been so impressed by the bond established between those teammates - it was always about the team, not about the individuals. I loved the stories from their five year reunions where countless plays in that '47 season were relived and reevaluated (Chap often the star). On so many occasions, Bob Chappuis could have claimed a lot of the limelight and the credit for their many accomplishments, but he did not. Instead, as a team, they felt the pride of achieving something greater than the sum of its parts. Hats off to Bob for setting a standard of behavior for them and for all of us. He leaves a gaping hole of talent, dignity and humility. I hope he and Dad continue those conversations in heaven. Lynn Yerges Buhl
Dave Drake
June 18, 2012
Mrs Chappuis & Family,
For many years I've worked in the Pressbox on football Satursdays,and was fortunate to sit near Bob,and his buddy Don Lund. He was a wonderful man,with agreat sense of humor,and many wonderful stories. Growing up in
AA,Bob was one of my first UofM heros back in the "40's" He'll be sorely
missed.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dave Drake
Jane Graves Bronson
June 18, 2012
My dad talks a lot about his fraternity days at the Phi Delt House and most, if not all his memories involve "Chap". I can't begin to tell you how many times I heard his name mentioned. He will be missed by many.
Bob Williams
June 18, 2012
Dear Ann,
Carole and I send our sincere condolences to all the family on Bob's passing. As Vero Beach winter neighbors for nearly twenty years we remember the sharing of many good times together. As a Buckeye, my initial interest was his football experience but over time I learned there was so much more to the man. One of Bob's endearing traits was that with all his achievements the ego was never, “front and center.� When telling stories be they war, on the grid iron, in business, etc. there was always the noticeable absence of the great, “I.� It was about the team, the coach, his pals or the situation, that got the emphasis. I once ask him about playing Ohio State and his response was, “I think we beat them three times.� I laughed when reading his father comments about my old school and feeling Bob was laughing with me as we had done when he first told me that story many years ago. His life time accomplishments—family, country, church, business, community, and football, together with the way he lived every day of his life as a true Gentlemen make him an Authentic American Hero. You don't get a chance to know one of them very often. God Bless.
Bob Williams
June 18, 2012
I was sad to hear of your loss. I am praying for your strength in your time of pain as you celebrate the life of a great man.
Jim Detwiler
June 18, 2012
People like Bob are the reason so many of us went to Michigan.
Van and Jean Gates
June 18, 2012
To Ann and the Chappuis family
He was a great guy and a wonderful friend for many years. All your friends in South Bend send our condolences. We were privileged to know him and share a part of his life.
You have some wonderful memories and a great legacy.
Ned & Jenni Glysson
June 18, 2012
Rob and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of such a special loved one. May the warm memories of his life comfort you. Our sympathy.
Tina Moffat
June 18, 2012
To the Chappuis Family: The DeVilbiss Alumni community is very saddened to learn of your loss. Bob was a wonderful, talented man. He was a true legend, a treasure. We honor his service to our country. Our deepest sympathy.
Tina Moffat, Chair
The DeVilbiss Alumni & Hall of Fame Committee
Tom Parkhill
June 18, 2012
Bob is one of Michigan's finest athletes who served his country and always found time to talk to you. Rick Volk's uncle will be missed bur always remembered.
June 17, 2012
i know that I speak for the Clarke family that we were blessed to know Bob and your entire family. Bob was very encouraging to my brother and me in attending Michigan. My parents loved going to football games with in the fall but socializing with you year round. Bob was a great athlete, successful in business and risked his life serving our country. Despite these great achievements, he was a better family man. Dig Clarke (Indianapolis)
June 17, 2012
June 17, 2012
Bob was so special - and I just wanted you to know I think of you often. Your family will support you and be there for you - as all your friends will be also.
Pat Webster, St. Louis
Bob Timberlake
June 17, 2012
Bob Chappius was one of my heroes at Michigan. I met him several times, most recently at the home of Bill Graves, where I had the chance to visit with him and to tell him how much I admired him. I'll be among the many who will miss him.
Bob Timberlake
Amy Yoder
June 17, 2012
I work at South Adams with Mary. I wanted to send my thoughts and prayers along to your whole family. It sounds like Bob lived a fascinating life! So very sorry for your loss.
Robert Browne
June 17, 2012
Any time spent with Bob Chappuis was a pleasure exceeded by no other. He was humorus,humble, interesting, and interested in those around him. A significant void has been created for many of us especially Ann and his family. You all have my sincere condolences. May your memories ease the sorrow and sustain you.
Bob Browne Grand Rapids, Mi.
Joan Kay
June 17, 2012
Dear Ann,
I started a message to you and computer froze on me! Just wanted you to know my love and deepest sympathy are with you and the family during these emotional days. We all send our love and are sorry we couldn't deliver it in person. Remember we love you and will greet you with open arms next winter when you'd better come down to join us. We shall miss wonderful Bob at the BIL parties. A wonderful friend. Love, Joan
June 17, 2012
Ann - I have some really nice memories of Bob and conversations I had with both of you. He was,and is, a very special person to a lot of people beyond your family. I remember days with the Gates and other Fort Wayne folks watching UM games, with Bob pacing the back of the room, never sitting down. I will miss him, but he is in a good place with family, friends and God, and some day I'll have another visit. (Father) Cory and Marian Randall
June 17, 2012
Dear Ann,
We Van Bovens all sen our prayers and sympathies to your entire Family.
He was a wonderful man.
Love, Carolyn
Happy Fathers Day Grandpa. You were a great man.
Amy Chappuis
June 17, 2012
John R. Ghindia
June 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Chappuis Family with the passing of Bob Sr.
John R. Ghindia & Family
June 16, 2012
Thank you for your service.
DRG (Portageville, MO)
Patrick Cremer
June 16, 2012
Thank you for your service to our country.
Marti Gates Lundy
June 16, 2012
Mrs. Chappuis, we were so sorry to hear of Mr. Chappuis' death. My parents, Ben and Betsy Gates, thought so highly of both of you and told such wonderful stories of your times together. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
June 16, 2012
Ann, I am so very sorry to hear about Bob. I always considered him to be one of the truly "gentle" men. I will miss seeing him at the Old Folks Party. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Peg Canham
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