Leslie Dean Chapman

Leslie Dean Chapman, 84, of Sandwich, Illinois was called home on December 22, 2022. He was born on June 12, 1938, to Archie and Eleanor Chapman in Bloomer, Wisconsin. He married Janet Voss on February 1, 1958, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Early in their marriage, Les helped build their first house on Chapman Road in Chippewa Falls, a street named after them because their house was the only house on the street. They moved to Sandwich, IL in 1964 after Les took a job at Caterpillar Tractor Company. He worked there until his retirement in 1994.

Leslie enjoyed woodworking and made many pieces of furniture for his home and lake house. He worked on his own timeline and took on projects at the request of family and friends. Although he reserved the right to refuse any project, he never did. He blessed his loved ones with many fine pieces including kitchen cabinets, bedroom sets, custom bookshelves, a dry sink and one very complicated sewing table. He loved spending time at his place “Up North,” a little slice of heaven he wanted to leave as a legacy to future generations.

He is survived by his precious daughters, Deborah (Kevin) Wiley of Harding, IL, Suzanne Chapman of Ottawa, IL and Sherri (Robert) Baker of Byron, IL; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; Three sisters, Karen Pecka of Chippewa Falls, WI, Kathleen Warren of Gainesboro, TN and Cynthia Niles of Lee Center, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; His wife, Janet, in 2005; And his sister, Dorothy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in celebration of Les’s life may be directed to the Axehandle Lake Fishing Club, 9684 296th Ave. New Auburn, WI 54757.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 2, 2023 at Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in the town of Bloomer.

Online condolences may be made at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com