Wayne Chaplin

Wayne Chaplin passed away peacefully at his home in Madison on February 1, 2025. He was born on December 19, 1927, in Hartford, Wisconsin, the son of Morris and Katharine (McLaughlin) Chaplin.

After graduating from Hartford High School, he attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, earning a bachelor's degree in pharmacy. He moved back to Hartford and later took over management of the family drug store, Central Drugs. In addition to being the local pharmacy, Central Drugs was a local meeting place for morning coffee, soup and sandwiches at lunch, plus ice cream, malts and hot fudge sundaes. Later in life he practiced pharmacy in Abbotsford, Adams and Madison, making friends in all those places.

Wayne was a man of varied interests, ranging from pool to trap shooting, card playing (bridge, cribbage, sheepshead and canasta) to camping in the Northwoods, and from sailboat racing to down-hill skiing. He enjoyed music (classical and jazz), the arts and photography. His creativity was displayed in his almost believable vacation letters and unique birthday commemoratives. He enjoyed good food and good wine and was an avid reader and a loyal Badger, Packer and Brewer fan.

Wayne is survived by his long-time partner Gail Bergman, his daughter Sara (Rick) Scherr, three grandchildren (Paul, Adam and Hannah) and four great-grandchildren. Other surviving family members include two sisters, Camille Secola and Susan Zuelke, and a brother, Bill, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 daughters (Kathy and Kerry), his parents, and 2 brothers-in-law.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the East Side Club, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.