Floyd R. Chapin, age 83, of Naples, FL, formerly of Oshkosh, WI died peacefully March 10, 2014 in Miami, FL, surrounded by the love of his family and Pastor Kevin. He was born June 18, 1930, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Floyd and Olga (Hinkel) Chapin. He married Suzanne J. Cox on May 15, 1982 in Waupaca, WI. He was the Postmaster/MSC Manager in Oshkosh, and also serving the Madison, WI and Rockford, IL areas for 17 years. Floyd was a member of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He was also a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. He had served on the Oshkosh City Council for 14 years, Deputy Mayor for two years and Mayor for two years. He also served on the Convention & Tourism Commission, the Police & Fire Commission, the Safety Building Committee and the Oshkosh Cable Television Advisory Commission. Floyd volunteered for the Oshkosh and Naples Police Departments. He served on the Collier County Citizens Corps Advisory Committee for 4 years and CAC representing District 3. He was instrumental in selecting the EOC site and participated in the building planning. He was a significant supporter of the Sapphire Lakes Community. In 1991, he was instrumental in initiating the governing body of Sapphire Lakes serving on the Presidents Council and Sapphire Lakes Master Association as President and Vice President. He was also a member of Marco Lutheran Church, Marco Island, FL. Many people considered him a strong leader; however few knew the extra-ordinary people he was acquainted with, who influenced him such as David Brinkley, Congressmen Edward Derwinski and President John F. Kennedy.
Floyd is loved and will be missed by his wife, Suzanne; daughters, Bonnie (Robert) Podgorski of Oshkosh, Janice Chapin (Ann Robbins) of Evanston, IL; son, Brian Chapin (Paul Boomsma) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Jason (Lisa) Podgorski, Wrightstown, WI and Jessica (Michael) Eckert of Brown Deer, WI; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Caleb and Lauren Podgorski, Levi and Oliver Eckert; sister, June (Lloyde) Foster of McMinneville, OR; his niece, Janice (Bryan) Keeney; nephew, Richard Foster, along with other very special relatives and friends; and the mother of his children, Marie.
Floyd had an outgoing personality that could light up a room with a great sense of humor. He worked hard, however also greatly enjoyed his time relaxing with family & friends. He loved camping and the outdoors. He also enjoyed traveling outside of Wisconsin and Florida, became an avid cruiser and enjoyed visiting a casino from time to time. He spent many hours' playing cards with friends and participated in bocce games. He was also an avid Packer, Wisconsin Badger and Cubs fan.
The family will receive relatives and friends at the Seefeld Funeral Home on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the funeral service at the funeral home on Monday, March 17, 2014, at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Ralph DiBiasio-Snyder officiating. He will be laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Park immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. A Memorial Service will be held at Marco Lutheran Church, Naples, FL at a later date.
Floyd will be sorely missed by everyone whose lives he touched.