CONRAD E. CHAFFEE

Conrad E. Chaffee, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away on Sept. 4 surrounded by his family. He was 71 years old.

Conrad was born in Mauston on March 26, 1944, to Hallie and Laura (nee Stormoen) Chaffee and was the youngest of five. His siblings were Glen, Garland, Rudolph and Izetta.

On Feb. 2, 1963, Conrad married his high school sweetheart Carol Kuhnke. Together they had four daughters Connie (Bob) Zinnen, Carrie (Tom) Fitzpatrick, Carmen (Jeff) Klug, and Cristen (Mike) Johnson.

Out of all this love came 14 grandchildren who were the light of Conrad’s life: Hannah Zinnen-Popanz, Marah and Leah Zinnen; Jordan, Brody, Jenna and Bailey Fitzpatrick; Nathan, Mitchell, Nicholas and Jacob Klug; Connor and Courtney Raboine, Calvin Johnson.

Conrad could be seen supporting football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming, cross country, poms, musical productions and dance recitals. He was proud of the grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities and equally as proud of their academic accomplishments. He was fortunate to see seven grandchildren graduate from high school and one graduate from college.

Conrad valued education and committed his professional career to serving students. He received his bachelors from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, his masters from the University of Wisconsin Madison, and his specialist degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. In the early part of his career, he taught fifth and sixth grade and was an elementary principal before taking the position as District Administrator at Paris Consolidated School where he served for 28 years. After retirement he served as an interim administrator for Wheatland and Salem school districts along with chauffeuring and babysitting grandchildren.

Conrad touched the lives of many students, teachers, and parents over his 40-year career in education. He was recognized for his contributions by being inducted into the Southeastern Wisconsin Educator’s Hall of Fame in 2002.

Music played a huge role in Conrad’s life. He was a self-taught musician who entertained many through the years. His love of music was passed down to his daughters and grandchildren.

Conrad was an avid sports enthusiast, excelling at almost everything he tried. He experienced sports as an athlete, coach and spectator. He was a hometown fan cheering from the little league to the big league. On game days you could see him sporting black and orange, red and white, or a Brewers or Packers jersey.

He is survived by his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, grandchildren, cousins and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, sister and mother- and father-in-law.

The family would like to thank Dr. Haider and his staff, the Emergency Department of Aurora Burlington Memorial Hospital, and the Critical Care Unit at Aurora St. Luke’s for their excellent care and compassion toward Conrad.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home from noon to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted by the family for the establishment of a scholarship fund in Conrad’s name.