Harold Chapman

Harold C. Chapman, 68, of North Platte, NE, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 2, 2015, at Great Plains Health in North Platte. Harold was the oldest of three children born to Harold Conrad, Jr. and Donaldean Lorene Beisner Chapman. He was born November 6, 1946, at North Platte where he grew up. Harold attended Buffalo Elementary School and graduated from North Platte High School in 1965. When Harold enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1965, he continued a tradition of service to our country which began with his grandfather who served in W.W.I and W.W.II and his father who was in W.W.II. Harold served two tours of Vietnam and was very proud of his military service. He received two Purple Hearts, two Medals of Valor as well as other medals and commendations. Following his discharge in 1971 Harold returned to North Platte where he worked for Municipal Light & Water and learned the electrical craft from his friend, Jack Frieberg. He also worked as a projectionist for the Fox Theater and Pawnee Drive-in for a couple years. On December 29, 1977, Harold was united in marriage to Jonelle Christine Fredericksen at the Fredericksen family farm home in RR Newell, IA, and to this union Katie and Aaron were born. The family later lived in the same home Harold grew up in. Harold hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1978 as a Diesel Electrician and retired in 2011 after 33 years. He is well remembered at the railroad for his personality and willingness to help apprentices who wanted to learn their craft "from an old head". While working for the railroad Harold was involved in the Total Safety Culture Committee and helped in the training process for the Total Safety Culture Environment. Through his dedication and hard work Harold was recognized as UPRR Employee of the Month. When Harold was laid off from the railroad in the '80's he attended Mid-Plains Community College. He was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and received his Associate of Arts Degree in 1987. Harold liked to grow flowers and go fishing. He was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #1504, member of D.A.V. Chapter #5, member and Master Mason of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM and a member of Signet Chapter #55 Order of Eastern Star. Most importantly Harold loved his family and was so proud of his children. He adored his grandchildren and loved sharing candy corn with them. Harold will always be remembered for being "the fireworks guy" on the 4th of July. He wanted to give children and adults great July 4th memories. He took pride in his firework shows and helped the young men who were on "the firing line". Harold leaves behind his wife, Jonelle, and children, Kathryn 'Katie', Aaron 'AJ' and Brad Chapman, all of North Platte; his beloved grandchildren, Dylan, Mattis and Addison; his sister, Sally (Bob) Pinneker, of Paxton, NE; brother, Terry (Bonnie) Chapman, of Sierra Vista, AZ; aunt and uncle, Sharon and Ron Beisner, Sr., of North Platte; mother-in-law, Alice Fredericksen, of Sac City, IA; sister-in-law, Marilee (Bill) Kleespies, of Rolfe, IA; brother-in-law, Alan (Christine) Fredericksen, of Flagstaff, AZ; and many nieces, nephews and other family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Donna; grandparents, Harold and Wauneta Chapman and Clyne and Hilda Beisner; father-in-law, Donald L. Fredericksen; and brother-in-law, Dr. David Fredericksen. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial.