Michael J LaChapelle

Michael LaChapelle, age 68, of Neillsville, WI died Monday, March 7, 2011 in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Josephs Hospital in Marshfield, WI.Michael Joseph LaChapelle was born in Milwaukee, WI the son of Hugh and Ruth (Arndt) LaChapelle. He graduated from Messmer High School in Milwaukee and then enlisted into the United States Navy on February 10, 1964. He was in active duty for over four years and served in the Vietnam War. On March 28, 1968 he was honorably discharged from duty. When Mike returned home he began working for Hamms as a beer distributor, later he worked for Old Style and eventually he went to the Miller Brewing Company. On February 14, 1970 he was united in marriage to Bonnie Steele in Okauchee, WI. They lived in Hartland, WI for 23 years, where they raised their family. After 23 years with Miller Brewery, Mike retired in 1997 and in early 1998 they moved to Neillsville. While here he enjoyed his time working with the Meals-on-Wheels program for the Clark County Department of Aging.Mike was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville. He was well-known by friends and family for his very large vegetable gardens, which he enjoyed spending time in. He enjoyed his dogs, Libby and Spencer and going to car shows. Most of all, however, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, four children, David LaChapelle of Sussex, WI, Jeffrey (Tina) LaChapelle of San Diego, CA, Karen (Nick) Soleil of Sebastopol, CA and Steven (Victoria) LaChapelle of Brookfield, WI, four grandchildren, Savion, Elijah, Jaden and Sequoia Soleil all of Sebastopol, CA, a brother, Joel (Margaret) LaChapelle of Wauwatosa, WI and a sister, Huette (Rick) Koehler of Sussex, WI.He was preceded in death by his parents.Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., with a Memorial Service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 12, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Judith Anderson-Bauer will officiate.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Meals-on-Wheels program, % Clark County Department of Aging, 517 Court Street, Neillsville, WI 54456 or the Calvary Lutheran Church, 213 Hill Street, Neillsville, WI 54456.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456