CHAPPEL, WALLACE H. Jr.

Wallace H. 'Wally' Chappel Jr., 63, of Traverse City, died at his home on Wednesday, June 30, 2010.

He was born in Traverse City on Oct. 22, 1946, the son of Wallace H. and Frances J. (Kelly) Chappel Sr.  Wally married Sandra Kay Taylor in Traverse City on May 31, 1969.

He was a Environmentalist at Soil and Water Conservation District of Traverse City.  A quote by William Hazlitt he lived by is, 'We do not see nature with our eyes, but with our understanding and our hearts ... '

A lifelong resident of Traverse City, 'Wally' was one of the first babies born at the 'New Munson Hospital.'

He loved the natural abundant beauty and the natural surroundings of his home in Northern Michigan.  Even a brief move to Florida in the early 1970s only served to remind him that the Grand Traverse area was his true north.

After returning to college at 40 years of age, he was able to work among the flora and fauna that gave him eternal pleasure.  He will be long remembered for his encyclopedic knowledge of the plants and wildlife of northern Michigan.

Some of Wally's accomplishments include, Environmentalist of the Year, Karl Dressel award for Most Outstanding Student in his department at Michigan State University in 2006, Friend of the Trail Award; he worked with Traverse Area Youth Corps at Nature Education Reserve.

Indeed, we have lost a true steward of the forest, streams and lakes that surround us.

Wally is survived by his wife, Sandra; children, Mark and Amy (Chappel) Belovich, Scott and Heidi (Chappel) Stauffer, Cassandra Chappel and Kristina Chappel; two brothers, Wayne Chappel and Dennis Chappel; grandchildren, Jared and Eva Belovich, Lillian and Sadie Stauffer; his uncle, Timothy Kelly Sr.; his aunt, Karen Burkholder; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held on Monday, July 5, 2010, at Boardman River Nature Center, at 1 p.m.

Memorials may be given in Wally's name to the Boardman River Nature Center.

Condolences may be offered at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Traverse City.
Posted By: Administrator - 07-08-2010
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