Blair J. "Corky" Chapman

Blair J. “Corky” Chapman Jr., 76 of Devils Lake formerly of Minnewaukan, ND passed away Wednesday morning, March 7, 2018 at CHI, St. Alexius Heath, Devils Lake Hospital with his loving family at his bedside. Blair James was born on June 24, 1941 at Devils Lake, ND to Blair and Doris (Hahn) Chapman. He grew up in the Minnewaukan area and would live his whole life in the Lake Region.  He attended school in Minnewaukan and graduated from BCATS (Benson County Agriculture and Training School) in 1959.  He married his high school sweetheart Marlene Alfstad on May 20, 1961 at Bremen, North Dakota. They lived for a short time in Devils Lake, three years in Maddock and then established their home on the Chapman family farm, north of Minnewaukan in 1966.  Here they would live, work side by side and raise their children through the years. In 1978 they, became owners and operators of “Chapman’s Grocery” in Minnewaukan.  Marlene managed the store most of the time, because Corky’s passion for farming and the outdoors kept him busy.  His favorite part-time job was as a Bus Driver for the Minnewaukan School District.  In September of 2001, they retired and moved to Devils Lake.  Corky kept active working at Summer’s Manufacturing in Devils Lake until health issues forced him to retire.  Corky loved the outdoors and enjoyed each season in a different way. He treasured many camping and fishing trips with family and friends, horseback and trail riding, hunting, snowmobiling.  If it could be done outdoors, Corky was probably going to try it.  Blair was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Minnewaukan and enjoyed membership in the Jaycee’s. He was a strong supporter of the city of Minnewaukan and the many events and activities of the community.  Corky is survived by his loving family. His wife of over 56 years, Marlene; children Jim (Bernadette) Chapman of Tacoma, WA, Brenda (Monty) Seibel of San Diego, CA and Lisa (Ray Belford) Webster of Devils Lake; 7 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren Broden, George, Calloway, Stevie, Jack, Hank, Eleanor and Sawyer; many beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Thomas “Bud”, Larry and Carol “Bing” Chapman; sisters Jean Krowel and Doris Aasmundstad and in-laws Frank and Myrtle (Helland) Alfstad. Honorary Bearers are Blair’s seven grandchildren Blair Chapman, Kodie Chapman and Chelsi Lyon, Devin Seibel, Adam Seibel and Bailey Seibel and Kellin Jund. Funeral Services for Corky will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Burial will be in the Minnewaukan Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Minnewaukan in the spring.  Gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, March 9th, at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral service.