Jesse Chapman

Jesse D. Chapman passed away peacefully on January 24 at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota with Marylyn, his wife and daughter Lisa at his side.

He was born in Preston, Idaho, the son of Muriel (Roper) and Floyd Chapman. Jesse had two sisters, Carma Rae Novak, deceased, and Deanne (Wendell) Langman, of California.

His beloved family includes daughter, Lisa (Hank) Hoelscher, grandchildren Andrew (Rebecca Lawrence) Hoelscher, Jenna (Brad) Fetters and two great-granddaughters.

His family moved to Waverly, Iowa where he graduated as Waverly High School Valedictorian. He was an Engineering Honors graduate from Iowa State University where he was a member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity.

Jesse and Marylyn met at Iowa State, and were married in early 1953.  In October 1953, his ROTC commission was activated, and he spent 14 months in Korea.

Jesse had a career with Eli Lilly & Company for 34 years. He took a position with the International division of the company, and the family spent about five years (1966-1970) in London and Strasbourg, France. He retired in 1990.

Retirement gave him time to enjoy traveling the world, taking many elective courses at Univ. of Arizona. He called this “classes engineering students never have time for”. He played tennis for decades, and was proud of his USTA Senior National Doubles Championship in 1991.  During his 20-year residency in Tucson he was very active as a volunteer at Tucson Medical Center. Hiking was another interest, so he joined a Tuscon hiking group, and went on several hiking trips to Switzerland and one in Scotland.

After moving to Boutwells Landing in 2004 to be near family, he continued his life-long passion for reading and education by chairing the Education Committee and guiding the Great Decisions Program for 10 years. He exercised regularly at the Wellness Center, and served his community as a United Way volunteer.

People remember him as a good friend, kind, compassionate in his own quiet way, and generous to others.   He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and the Boutwells Landing community.

Donations may be made to Iowa State University Foundation, College of Engineering, Presbyterian Homes Foundation, or Boutwells Landing Employee Education Fund.