Richard “Dick” L. Chaples, age 83, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, WI. Dick was born on March 2, 1943, in Hammond, IN, to the late Edward and Isabelle (Wood) Chaples. He was married to Dorie Mastej on March 3, 1962; she passed away in 2016. Dick spent much of his life in Illinois before later making his home in Tomahawk, WI.
Following his high school education, Dick entered the workforce and built a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and community involvement. He was a skilled mason by trade and took great pride in his work. Dick served as Master of Circle Lodge 938 in River Forest, IL and furthered his Masonic journey by attaining the 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite. Committed to sharing his knowledge with others, Dick completed the Instructor Training Program at Purdue University and went on to teach welding classes in the evenings, mentoring many tradespeople. From 1984 to 1997, Dick and Dorie were the proud owners of Boomba Bar & Grill in Tomahawk where they became familiar faces in the community. In his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors and found great happiness in hunting, fishing, and gardening.
Survivors include his son, Richard Chaples, Jr.; his daughter, Dawn (Mike) Milazzo; and his sisters, Barbara Licthle and Rebecca Gutowsky. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Michelle (Trevor) Pest, Jeanelle (Adam) Winston, Brandon Chaples, Jason Chaples, Tyler (Katie) Milazzo, Jacob Milazzo, and Amanda (Tommy) Blum, in addition to five great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Chaples; his mother, Isabelle Grace Doughty; his wife, Dorie Chaples; his son, Jeffery Chaples; his daughter, Teri Reeves; his grandsons, Johnny Reeves and Jeff Bernard; and his brothers-in-law, Robert Licthle and Robert Gutowsky.
Private family graveside services will take place at the St. Germain Memorial Cemetery in St. Germain, WI. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family. You may view Dick’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.
