Obituary of John Lawrence Chapman

John Lawrence Chapman hiked on to his next destination on January 4, 2025. John was born in Minneapolis, MN, on June 30, 1931, to Fred and Florence (Holt) Chapman. He graduated from West High School as class president and a cross-country runner. He graduated from the University of Minnesota, where he participated in cross-country running, rowing, Alpha Delta Phi, and ROTC.

John married Jean Marshall in 1953, celebrating their 71st wedding anniversary last month. They began their married life in Germany with John as 1st Lieutenant in the US Army. After completing his two years of service, John and Jean settled in New Ulm, where they welcomed their first child, Steve, followed by daughters Mary, Susan, and Sally, who were born in Edina. The family lived for five years in Detroit, Michigan, before returning to Edina as their permanent residence.

John was a sales executive for Burroughs/Sperry/Unisys; his career moved him several times from Minneapolis to Detroit, Chicago, and finally to Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

John’s favorite times were spending time with Jean and the kids, camping, and traveling. Every summer he planned a two-week camping adventure throughout North America, eventually showing them most of the US. As the kids grew older, he introduced them to backpacking in the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. During Jean and John’s 17 years in Albuquerque, they explored the southwest and traveled the world.

Hiking the Grand Canyon became John’s favorite activity. He hiked to the bottom more times than we can remember, bringing along various friends and family. His greatest thrill was celebrating his 80th birthday by hiking to the bottom with his 10 grandchildren and four kids and their spouses.

John was a lifestyle athlete and adventurer. He hitchhiked across the US as a young man and even came home once from Canada on a train with a canoe. He taught his kids how to downhill ski, cross-country ski (starting with winter picnics on their downhill skis), camp, canoe, and hike. He started skiing the American Birkebeiner at 61 and skied 12 Birkies and 8 Kortes—always seeking a first-place age group win!

John loved family, as shown by his dedication to his parents, siblings, and their kids; Jean’s extended family; and his own children and grandchildren. He was so proud of all of them. He was a firm believer in God, honesty, and being patriotic. He loved America. John showed integrity in everything he did.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bob, sister Jane, and his loving in-laws.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; son Steve (Lisa and children John and Jason); daughter Mary (children Grant, Trent, and Trace Chiodo); daughter Susan Lindstedt (Brad and children Erik (Tori), Anders, and Bjorn); daughter Sally (children Ana and Brinna Brakke); sister Ann; and many nieces and nephews.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 21, 2025,

at Meetinghouse Church, 6200 Colonial Way, Edina, MN 55436.

Service begins at 10 am with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the

Grand Canyon Conservancy, P.O. Box 399, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023, or the

Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.