Gilbert Raymond Chapman

Gilbert “Gibby” Raymond Chapman Sr., a proud Ojibwe Ogichidaa and lifelong resident of the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation died unexpectedly on Friday October 9 at the King Veterans Home, King, Wisconsin. He was 77 years old. He is preceded in death by his mother Ollie May Chapman and daughter Doreen Marie Chapman. He is survived by daughters Kim Marie Whalen, Brenda Marie Malcolm (Chris), Kathleen Marie Whitmire (William), Valerie Marie Chapman and sons Gilbert Raymond Chapman Jr. (Natalie Poupart), Daniel Raymond Chapman Sr., and Duane Raymond Chapman; former wives Leila Louise Streich and Mary Denise Chapman; and also 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Gibby attended Arbor-Vitae Woodruff High School and began his family at an early age. He joined the United States Army serving as a radio communications soldier. After his service he took on various residences in California, Iowa, West Virginia and Wisconsin to work in the iron and masonry trades to support his growing family. For most of his later life he worked with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in law enforcement, served as a member of the Tribal Council, lay advocacy, and a background investigator until his retirement in 2003.
Gibby held a deep passion for Native American rights and fought hard to assist in preserving tribal sovereignty and securing hunting and fishing rights for future generations. Gib enjoyed skydiving in his early years, in mid to later years had travelled around the country and overseas, plus he engaged in all the social camaraderie found in every venue this life provides.
Gib maintained an incredible amount of friends from so many communities too numerous to name, but each person has been mentioned to his family in some form, story, or discussion. He will always be cherished and fondly remembered by many and deeply missed by his closest relationships. His family adores him and we all found love through him in our own special way. He knew the value of treating us all individually.
Memorial contributions to honor Gibby can be made through Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services, 1025 Margaret St., Woodruff, Wisconsin 54568 or 715-439-4100.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.


Visitation will be on Monday, October 12th at Gilbert's residence at 2182 Wildcat Circle in Lac du Flambeau, WI starting at 4:00 PM

Military Honors will be performed on Tuesday, October 13th at 9:00 AM at his residence.