William Kaye Chaffee

William "Bill" Kaye Chaffee, 84 of Winona and formerly of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday January 22, 2015, at his home in Winona. He had struggled with numerous health issues over the years, though remained a strong spirit up to his last day. He lived life to the fullest, had numerous passions in life, and was always eager to share his knowledge. Bill was born April 19, 1930 in Minneapolis to Harry and Eva (Malin) Chaffee. He grew up in Carrington, ND and graduated from Carrington High School as a merit scholar and valedictorian. Bill attended Jamestown College and received a B.S. from the University of Minnesota. He then served in the United States Army for two years while stationed in Italy. He began working with government contracts for Honeywell after the army and continued until his retirement in 1990.On March 30, 1958, Bill married Marcia Veir at Central Methodist Church in Winona. They made their home in St. Louis Park MN where they raised four sons. While spending time with his family, he was also very active in the local competitive pistol shooting club, MAPSA. Following his retirement, Bill and Marcia spent three years seeing the country in their RV and following his dream of owning and living on a boat, creating many wonderful memories that will forever be cherished. They spent the last 23 years, living in Winona, a place where Bill could fully enjoy his true passion for the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, shooting but most important was his family, he treasured every minute spent with them.He is survived by his wife, Marcia; sons, Todd (Kathryn Smith) of Belvedere, CA, Robert (Pam) of Zimmerman, MN, Mark (Naomi) of Minneapolis, MN and Christopher (Angela) of St. Louis Park, MN; and 11 grandchildren.Bill is preceded in death by his parents, toddler daughter Linda, and brother, Frank Chaffee, A Celebration of his Life will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with the Reverend Tom Jestus officiating. Visitation will be 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Bill would want memorials to be directed to the NRA in lieu of flowers.Please share a memory of Bill, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/563063