Conrad Chaffee
Conrad was born in Mauston, Wisconsin on March 26, 1944 to Hallie and Laura (nee Stormoen) Chaffee and was the youngest of five. His siblings were Glen, Garland, Rudolph and Izetta.
On February 2, 1963 Conrad married his high school sweetheart Carol (Kuhnke). Together they had four daughters Connie (Bob) Zinnen, Carrie (Tom) Fitzpatrick, Carmen (Jeff) Klug, and Cristen (Mike) Johnson. Out of all this love came 14 grandchildren who were the light of Conrad’s life. Hannah Zinnen-Popanz, Marah and Leah Zinnen, Jordan, Brody, Jenna and Bailey Fitzpatrick, Nathan, Mitchell, Nicholas and Jacob Klug, Connor and Courtney Raboine, Calvin Johnson. He could be seen supporting football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming, cross country, poms, musical productions and dance recitals. He was proud of the grandchildren’s extra curricular activities and equally as proud of their academic accomplishments. He was fortunate to see 7 grandchildren graduate from high school and 1 graduate from college.
Conrad valued education and committed his professional career to serving students. He received his bachelors from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, his masters from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and his specialist degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. In the early part of his career, he taught 5th and 6th grade and was an elementary principal before taking the position as District Administration at Paris Consolidated School where he served for 28 years. After retirement he served as an interim administrator for Wheatland and Salem School Districts along with chauffeuring and babysitting grandchildren. Conrad touched the lives of many students, teachers, and parents over his 40-year career in education. Conrad was recognized for his contributions by being inducted into the Southeastern Wisconsin Educator’s Hall of Fame in 2002.
Music played a huge role in Conrad’s life. He was a self-taught musician who entertained many through the years. His love of music was passed down to his daughters and grandchildren.
Conrad was an avid sports enthusiast, excelling at almost everything he tried. He experienced sports as an athlete, coach and spectator. He was a hometown fan cheering from the little league to the big league. On game days you could see him sporting black and orange, red and white, or a Brewers or Packers jersey.
He is survived by his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, grandchildren, cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sister and mother & father-in-law.
The family would like to thank Dr. Haider and his staff , the Emergency Department of Burlington Memorial Hospital, and the Critical Care Unit at St. Luke’s for their excellent care and compassion toward Conrad.
A celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church Arkdale, WI. Pastor Terri Skildum will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home on Sunday, September 20.
In lieu of flowers donations will be accepted by the family for the establishment of a scholarship fund in Conrad’s name.
Our sincere condolences at this sad time for family, joyous time in Heaven.
With sincere condolences at this time of sorrow.
We can add nothing to what has been said! He will truly be missed by all who knew him. May God bless him and his family!
Deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
Ray and I enjoy Connie’s company at Rank’s Tavern on Monday nights for bluegrass. He will be missed.
Our condolences and prayers to your family.
Our condolences and prayers to your family. Conrad was a great friend and neighbor and he will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Carol and family, Thinking of you and know how hard this time is for all of you. God Bless and be with you.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time
Ben and Shaylee Biedrzycki
Carol & Family, Please know that we are thinking of you & family at this time. Praying for the Lord’s peace and comfort.
Warm condolences to Carol and family. Blessings on all at this difficult time….for some time to come…
Love from Uncle Joe and Aunt Sharon
my prayers and thoughts are with the family
I am sorry for your loss. Mourn his loss but celebrate a life well lived! He will live on in all of you.
Dear Carol and Chaffee Family,
Chuck and were so sad to hear of Conrad’s passing.
It was just weeks ago that we saw him in the yard working on something.
We will miss seeing his special smile and friendly wave.
My our Lord be with you and your family in the days ahead.
Very sincerely,
Chuck and Annette
So sorry on your loss, May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
Dear Carol and family,
Sending our sincere condolences at this time in your life. Con was a true leader. He will be missed.
Carol & family condolences & prayers.
I enjoyed the time that Connie and Carol spend in Arkdale. Our prayers are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.