Frank Andrew Chapiewski

Frank Andrew Chapiewski, 89 of Winona, died Wednesday, February 13, 2013.Frank was born March 16, 1923, in Winona to Franciszek (Frank) and Maryanna (Malotka) Czapiewski. He attended school through the 8th grade at St. Stanislaus, after which he enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps working on public works projects throughout the state. He faithfully sent his paycheck home to help support the family. In January 1942, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in WWII and being honorably discharged in 1949. In 1951, he was called back to the Marine Corps to serve in the South Pacific during the Korean War, again being honorably discharged in 1953. Frank's military service was a great source of pride. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Semper Fi.Frank married Doris Haase on November 19, 1958, and they shared 54 years together. He worked at various construction jobs including Matzke Concrete Block with many of those products creating the foundation for homes in the area. Frank spent his entire life on the Mississippi River. He was an avid trapper - trapping mink, beaver, and muskrat. At the age of 81, he was the oldest person to apply for a trapping license in the State of Minnesota. He was a fisherman in all seasons - ice fishing, trout fishing, or trolling the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Frank loved to cook wild game and Polish food. Frank enjoyed cutting and splitting wood knowing the pleasure of a good fire on a cold winter day. After building a home in Minnesota City, he took great pride in his vegetable garden, flower garden, lawn and trees. He loved feeding the birds but not the squirrels!Frank was a lifetime member of VFW proudly serving in the Honor Guard. He also belonged to the American Legion, Hiawatha Valley Marines, 2nd Marine Division Association, 1st Marine Division Association and its HOW Company. Frank and Dorie traveled to many Marine Corps reunions throughout the years where they enjoyed connecting with comrades. He is survived by his wife, Doris; three daughters, Lisa (Richard) Lind of Minnesota City, Carrie (Bradley) Reuter of Waumandee, WI, and Patricia (George) Benedict of Winona. He is further survived by grandchildren, Philip, Melody and Paul Reuter; Courtney (Tim) Kirchner; John (Suzanne) Benedict and Amanda (Justin) Obenauer; great-grandchildren Hannah, Jake & Ellie Kirchner; and Jack Benedict; and grand dog "Bandit." Frank was the last of his generation. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Edmund, John (Harry), Daniel, Clarence, Margaret, Marie, and Chester.Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 16, 2013, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with a Prayer Service at 1:30 p.m., led by Reverend William Kulas. Frank will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. Please share a memory of Frank, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.Today the world became a little less Polish and the river a little more quiet. A WWII and Korean War veteran finally rests with his fellow men, and Grandpa's story will be remembered. By his grandson, Philip
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/374173