Eber William Chapman

Eber William Chapman, 88, of La Crosse passed away on December 2, 2021, at Lakeview Heath Center in West Salem.

Eber was born on July 28, 1933, to Verner (Bud) and Mildred Chapman in La Crosse. After attending Central High School in La Crosse, Eber proudly joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Gunners Mate on the heavy cruiser USS Quincy (CA-71), after which he then married his neighbor girl, Shirley Holak, in 1953. They had four children: Kim, Terri, Korrine and Peggy.

Eber worked primarily as a first-class welder for the Trane Company for over 40 years. He had many passions in life, first and foremost being fishing in his flat-bottom boat on his beloved Mississippi River. He was a champion speed skater (invited to try out for the Olympics), on-call scuba diver for the La Crosse Police Department, one of a crew of local commercial fishermen, hunter and avid Packers fan. He was known to be outspoken and particular about some things, and could be stubborn and gruff at times, but was always fair and honest. He was a proud, stand-up man.

Eber is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Shirley; son Kim of Coon Valley, daughters Terri (Leo) Einer of Oshkosh, Korrine (Greg) Winkler of St. George, Utah, Peggy (Kevin) Miller of La Crosse; sister, Caryn Weymiller of Waukon, Iowa; grandchildren Jennifer, Jonathan, Nicole, Dana, and Kyle; great-grandchildren Dylan, Colton, Easton, Kari, Annalyssa, Ona, Gus, and Haddie; great-great-granddaughter Scarlett; in-laws, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Verner and Mildred Chapman, brother Don, and sister Colleen.

A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 12 at the La Crescent Area Event Center at 595 Veterans Parkway in La Crescent, MN.