Donna June Chapla, 86
Donna June Chapla, 86, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on June 6, 1921, in Elkhart, Ind., to Martin Conrad and Hermina (Hoberg) Olson.
June grew up in Osceola, Ind., graduating from Jamestown High School in 1939. She sang in the high school glee club and was active in drama. Later she worked as a supervisor at Miles Laboratories during World War II. She was very active with friends and family, and loved swimming, dancing, ice-skating and gymnastics.
On Jan. 27, 1945, June married Steve Joseph Chapla in Elkhart; he was home recovering from war injuries. The couple began their family and June enjoyed the responsibilities of being a homemaker. She also helped out her husband in construction when needed.
June raised five children in Elkhart before the family moved to Arizona in 1972 with their two youngest daughters. They made their home in Payson, Ariz. While in Payson, June was active in the Payson Community Church, the Homemakers Club and the Historical Society. June took up oil painting and bowled on a team.
In 2002, June and Steve made a trip to Montana to visit their daughter Jackie. Due to illness they were unable to travel back home to Arizona.
June was always so thoughtful about acknowledging special occasions. She would send letters and cards for every birthday and anniversary. June will be remembered for her quick wit, big smiles and that little twinkle in her eye that hinted of mischief.
June was preceded in death by her husband, Steve; a sister, Beverly Boots; a brother, Devon Olson; and a grandson, Antony Shiya.
She is survived by three daughters, Jackie Van Dyke of Kalispell, Lauretta Shiya of Payson, and Donna Hanson of Denver; and two sons, Dennis Chapla, living in Saipan, and Bryan Chapla of South Bend, Ind.; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Alberta Nelson, Nadine Bishop and Annette Stouder, all of Elkhart; and a brother, Conrad Olson, of South Bend, Ind.
Funeral services will be held in Payson.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring locally for June's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign June's guest book.