Obituary of George I. Chapman

George I. Chapman 72, of Hemlock, Michigan, passed away on 12/24/2019 George was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan (Horzelski), two daughters, Carrie Lynn and Julie Ann Chapman and brother, Franklin Graham. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Patti A. Chapman, four children; Michael (Jessica) Chapman of Ohio, Heather (Chapman) Tithof of St. Charles, Michigan, David (Katie) Schmidt of Hemlock Michigan, Ann (Dan) Heath of Beaverton, Michigan, two brothers of Panama City, Florida; Robert (Diane) Nowaczyk, Terry (Diana) Nowaczyk, a sister of Bradner, Ohio; Elizabeth Graham, former spouse Shirley Berg Chapman of St. Charles, Michigan, eight grandchildren; Dylan, Andrew, Cody, Brady, Lydia, Turner, Aubrey and Mozy Bear, along with many nieces and nephews. George grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, and attended Douglas MacArthur High School. Following graduation, he served two years in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Bronze Star while attached to D Battery – 5th of the 71st artillery in the Viet Nam War, where he made life-long friendships that remained strong throughout his 72 years. He worked as a truck driver, retiring from General Motors in 1999. He was active with the Viet Nam Veterans: Quads, Dusters and Search Lights. He supported Disabled Veterans. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, barbequing, carpentry and sports car racing, taking particular pride in memorabilia pieces he acquired from the late Dale Ernhardt, Sr., NASCAR sports car driver. George and his collection were featured in a 2009 Saginaw News article. His life brought joy to so many people, with his selfless compassion, kindness and humor. He will be lovingly remembered by family and his many friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. January 4, 2020, at St. John's Evangelical Church, 4705 Brockway Rd., Saginaw, Michigan. Reverend Mark Lindloff will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 - 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking anyone wishing to make a donation, to consider Season's Adult Care Services of Midland, MI, or Emanuel Lutheran Church, 300 North Street W, Tawas City, MI 48763. All sympathy store items must be sent directly to the family home.