Virginia Chapman

Virginia Mae (Larson) Chapman of Osakis passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, June 15, 2019, at Alomere Health in Alexandria, MN, at the age of 95 years.

Virginia was born on February 8, 1924, in Orange Township, Douglas County, MN, to Hans and Emelia (Ries) Larson.  She was confirmed into the Lutheran faith in 1939.  At the age of seventeen years, as a young and beautiful bride, Virginia was united in marriage to Woodrow Chapman on February 8, 1941, in Osakis.  They raised a large family of eight children, and with only one child still living at home and in school, Virginia took a part-time job working at the Osakis Variety Store and later the Cheese House, also in Osakis.  She was a member of Osakis Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid.

As a busy wife and mother, Virginia kept everyone clean, dressed and well fed.  She raised her own vegetables, canning or freezing many of them.  Each year she made a special birthday cake for each child decorated with their favorite colors.  Even as adults, Virginia would remember family birthdays and send them cards.  She was an excellent baker, and at Christmastime would whip up several batches of cookies, along with some divinity and fudge bars.  She liked to go on vacation each summer and played cards (especially solitaire, rummy and Kings on the Corner) and bingo during the cold winter months.  Watching movies, particularly Westerns, and reading magazines also kept her entertained.  Virginia had a big heart and liked to laugh and make others feel at ease.  She was a kind and caring mother and grandma who showered her family with love.  She will be dearly missed and will live on in the hearts of those who knew her best.

Virginia is survived by her children, Ruth (Allen) Coulter of Woodbury; Sandra Chapman of Osakis; Gerald (Connie) Chapman of Buffalo; Blair (Eileen) Chapman of Rochester; Clair (Teri) Chapman of St. Cloud; Wayne (Becky) Chapman of Ruskin, FL; Glenn (Linda) Chapman of Pasco, WA; Kim (Pam) Chapman of White Bear Lake; 20 grandchildren; 1 step-grandson; 22 great grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Hans & Emelia Larson, her husband, Woodrow ‘Woody’ Chapman and sisters, Mildred, Enola and Bernadine.

A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at 11:00 am at the Osakis Lutheran Church in Osakis with Rev. Rich Fitzer officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:30 – 7 pm at the Terrace Heights Chapel at the Galeon in Osakis and also on Thursday one hour before the service at the church.  Interment is at the Nelson Cemetery in Nelson, MN, with honorary bearers Ronald, Robert & Shaun Coulter, Rodney Pangburn, Jerimarie Chapman; Jennifer Simpson, Christina Psimas, Lisa Winkowski, Angela Chapman; Erik Hoverson, Joseph, Alyssa, Nicolas, and Mackeon Chapman.  Active casket bearers are Thomas Coulter, Steven Pangburn, John, Jeremy, Matthew, Chad and Zachary Chapman.

Arrangements are being handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home in Osakis, MN.