Member Obituaries

2024 Obituaries

Nancy Bubolz, 1936-2024

Nancy Bubolz (nee Paul) a long-time resident of Appleton, WI passed away peacefully at home in El Paso, TX on Thursday, October 10, at the age of 88.

Born in Racine, WI, on June 7, 1936, Nancy grew up in Beaver Dam, WI, and graduated from Wayland Academy in 1954. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and French from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 1958.

While raising her three daughters, Nancy began a fulfilling career at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. She worked in graphic design and desktop publishing, served as President of the Educational Support Staff and formed lifelong friendships. Long after retirement, she and her “Tech friends” continued their tradition of gathering for birthdays and summer houseboat outings. Those became some of her favorite memories.

Nancy was a pioneer in the sport of waterskiing, serving in numerous leadership roles within the Wisconsin Water Ski Federation and the American Water Ski Association. She judged countless regional and national water ski tournaments and chaperoned the U.S. National Team at the 1972 Olympics in Germany. One of Nancy’s most significant contributions to water skiing was serving as Legislative Chairperson, where she worked to enhance the sport’s public image and lobbied to promote safety initiatives in the state. Recognizing her enduring impact on the sport, she was inducted into the Wisconsin Water Ski Hall of Fame in 1998.

Nancy cherished spending time with her family. She loved playing cribbage with her daughter Linda in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, vacationing with her daughter Brenda in Florida and the Bahamas, and in recent years, living with her daughter Kristen in El Paso. Well-known by family and friends as a voracious reader, Nancy was rarely found without a good mystery or romance novel in hand and her cup of tea nearby.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Ewald and Myrtle Paul, brother Jerry Paul, son-in-law Tom Purdy and three infant children. She is survived by her loving daughters Linda Ashida (Naoyuki), Brenda Purdy (John Knetter), and Kristen Shaver (Rob); cherished grandchildren Michael Ashida (Katie Tribble), Sarah (Ashida) Mickelson (Quinn), Bruce Purdy, Roy Purdy, George Purdy (Lexie LeClair), Lucas Shaver and Jason Shaver; adored great-grandson Wyatt Purdy; and dear nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held in Appleton, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bubolz Nature Preserve.

Memorials may be made to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (https://www.usopc.org/us-olympic-and-paralympic-foundation) or Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).

Leah Rawls Atkins, 1935-2024

Whether she was winning water skiing competitions, earning Auburn University degrees or being inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Leah Rawls Atkins, Ph.D., was accustomed to being first.

The first female Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductee and the first person to earn a doctorate in history from Auburn, Atkins died Oct. 4 at 89.

“I traveled far on my improbable journey,” Atkins told graduates at Auburn’s spring commencement in 2017. “To complete it, I had to work harder, use my time more efficiently, push myself constantly, learn to function with less sleep, go over notes and materials many times.”

The Leah Rawls Atkins Award, presented annually for excellence in academics and athletics to a student-athlete who models leadership, integrity and courage, is the highest honor an Auburn female student-athlete can receive.

A 1976 Alabama Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Atkins was Alabama’s first water skiing world champion, winning in 1953 as an 18-year-old in Toronto, Canada, the first of numerous records and championships, both nationally and internationally.

Born in Birmingham in 1935, Leah Marie Rawls fell in love with Auburn as a 7-year-old when she visited her cousin, a student at what was then known as Alabama Polytechnic Institute.

She enrolled in 1953 and married George, her husband of 60 years, the following year, eventually earning three Auburn degrees. She taught history at Auburn as a graduate student and an instructor, and when her family moved to Birmingham, she taught at UAB for one term and 12 years at Samford University. She served on the Auburn Alumni Board and was the founding director of the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities at Pebble Hill in 1985.

Atkins served on the Auburn Library Development Committee and authored many articles and books, including “Alabama: The History of a Deep South State” and “A Century of Women at Auburn, 1892-1992: Blossoms Amid the Deep Verdure.” She also authored a book on the history of Alabama Power marking the company’s first 100 years, “‘Developed for the Service of Alabama’: The Centennial History of the Alabama Power Company 1906-2006.”

A celebration of life will be held Monday, Oct. 14, at 10:30 a.m. at The Chapel at Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill, 4700 Highlands Way in Irondale. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Auburn University Libraries at: Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College St., Auburn, Alabama 36849, (334) 844-1427.

Mike Osborn, 1940-2024

Mike Osborn, a 1998 USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame inductee, passed away on Sept. 21, 2024. Mike was recognized as one of the best men’s jump competitors of his era, having co-held the world record three times.

Mike began water skiing when he was six years old. His parents, Jane and LaRue, were boaters and competitive swimmers, and Mike's first experience with competition was through swim meets.

Skiing first piqued Mike's interest as a pre-teen. He swam in the Junior Olympics and ended up getting a world record in his age division. But, when he went to school with what he calls his "little medals", they looked insignificant to him compared the 18- to 36-inch high trophies his classmates Gene Marotti and Charlie Emry were winning for water skiing.

Mike visited Gene and Charlie at Cypress Gardens and borrowed a trick ski to try out. Before long, he was learning how to jump the ramp on trick skis, convinced the runners on the bottoms of regular skis would make it more difficult to jump.

When Mike graduated to real jump skis he found that he was a natural. While training with some of the Gardens skiers for an All-American tournament, 15 year old Mike impressed Malcolm Pope, brother of Gardens founder Dick Pope Sr., who hired him on the spot as a weekend skier.

Working at Cypress Gardens boosted Mike's skiing career and molded him into a superb showman. He was most famous for his comical antic as the Gardens' Corky the clown. Mike said the Gardens’ skiers were the best skiers of his era because they were well rounded and used to skiing everyday, sometimes in adverse conditions.

When Mike and his family entered the 1955 Water Ski Nationals in Lakeland, Fla., they didn't know much about the sport, but by the following year, Mike's skiing had improved vastly. He went from placing 13th overall in the Boys division in 1955, to second overall in 1956, with third places in slalom and jumping and fourth in tricks.

Mike's skiing continued to improve as he moved into the Men's division, even when he left home to attend the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. He would have finished his education there, but Johnson Motors made him an offer he couldn't refuse: The company would pay his college tuition if he moved back to Florida. Mike decided to attend Florida Southern College in Lakeland, making it easy for him to go to school and still ski two shows a day at the gardens. There were also other fringe benefits: Mike was dating a lovely Gardens skier named Nancy Legent, who would become his wife in 1962, so he was able to be close to her as well as his family and friends. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in education.

In 1959, Mike hit the peak of his career. Not only did he win Men's jumping at the National Championships but, as a member of the U.S. Water Ski Team, he brought home a silver medal in slalom and a bronze medal in Men's overall from the World Championships in Milan, Italy.

Mike's 142-foot winning jump at Nationals tied the world record, then held by his rival Joe Cash. It was the third time Mike had tied the record. He also won the Men's national overall competition that year, placing fourth in tricks and slalom.

Mike became known for his jumping style. At times, it seemed he was jumping almost upside-down. Mike said that style actually developed later in his career, during the mid-1960, when Alan Kempton introduced the first jump sling. Mike decided to try to simulate the sling's effect by holding the handle close into his body with two hands. The technique had the desired results, adding distance to his jumps.

Mike's skiing career also lead to a short sting in acting. His ticket in was a short film called "Water Skiing with Buick." Buick had heard about Mike's son, Mark, skiing at two and a half years old. They contacted the Osborn's and asked if Mark could be in the film. Mike asked if there was a part for him, and when they said, "No, Bruce Parker has that job," he came back with, "If you don't have a role for me, you don't have my son." Buick quickly decided to include Mike.

Mike's next appearance was in a Rapid Shave commercial where he skied over the jump ram, shaving and saying "Make it fast, make it smooth!"

Dwane Folsom, 1936-2024

Dwane L. Folsom, 88, of Boynton Beach, Florida passed away peacefully on September 11, 2024.

Dwane was born March 26, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Herbert and Mildred (Krug) Folsom. He married his beloved wife, Violet (Jandek) on July 20, 1957 and they moved to Florida in 1968.

Dwane was preceded in death by his brother Marvin Folsom. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Violet, daughter Pamela D’Addio (Bill), granddaughters Tiffany Cilladi (Colin) and Brittany Miller (Brian), and great grandchildren Henley Cilladi and Bode Miller.

An Army veteran, Dwane served his country as an Engineer Equipment Mechanic. With Violet, he built a successful air conditioning company in Chicago and then established D.L. Folsom Air Conditioning in Boynton Beach in 1970. As a master mechanic, there was nothing Dwane couldn’t fix or even invent. He held a patent for the scuba diving gear he built for his beloved dog, Shadow, and together they became famous worldwide, most notably for dives they enjoyed together in the Cayman Islands with stingrays.

Dwane’s favorite song was Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way”, and his life totally embodied those lyrics. His Mother-in-Law once said, “There’s a right way, a wrong way, and Dwane’s way!” and that became his given motto. There was nothing Dwane wouldn’t master. He deeply loved his wife and family, all dogs and all sports. He was proficient in skydiving, rock climbing, water skiing, swimming and high board diving, snow skiing, ice hockey, volleyball, race car driving, mountain motorcycle riding, hiking, racquetball, and scuba diving and he also piloted his own airplane. He and Violet traveled the world chasing adventures.

Leading a long, busy, active life to its fullest, Dwane never stopped working long days in his garage on his many projects and his many classic antique cars. He remained strong, athletic and spry until his last weeks. So very loved, he was an inspiration to his family and his many friends. Dwane’s family wishes to leave him with their love and the words he often said to them, “See You Later, Alligator”.

Dwane’s funeral service will be on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 9am at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2929 South Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33435.

In lieu of flowers, Violet suggests making a donation to your favorite charity.

Thomas Diehl, 1945-2024

In the heart of Wisconsin, where the natural beauty of the Dells meets the vibrant pulse of tourism, one name stands out for its indelible mark on the region’s landscape: Tom Diehl. For decades, Diehl had not only been a leader in the entertainment industry with his stewardship of the old Tommy Bartlett Show but has also been a pivotal force in shaping the economic and cultural fabric of Wisconsin Dells. Diehl died Aug. 29, 2024 after a prolonged illness. Tom Diehl was a husband, father, grandfather and friend to many who loved him and will surely mourn his passing. Tom Diehl’s journey in Wisconsin Dells began in 1967 when he joined the Tommy Bartlett organization, eventually becoming its president in 1978. His leadership saw the expansion and innovation of the Tommy Bartlett Show, which became synonymous with family entertainment in the region. However, Diehl’s influence extended far beyond the stage lights and water skis. His vision for the area included not just entertainment but also community development and infrastructure. The state of Wisconsin recognized Diehl’s contributions with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, celebrating his vision and leadership in advancing tourism. This accolade was not just a testament to his business acumen but also to his role in community service and economic development. His receipt of the “Tommy” Ambassador Award further highlighted his impact on water skiing, showcasing his influence across multiple domains. He was honored many times by the organizations and causes to which he contributed and for which he often served as leader.

Arden "Art" Cozier, 1943-2024

Art Cozier of Orlando, Fla., passed away on Aug. 12, 2024. He was widely known as one of the early Technical Controllers of three-event water skiing after the position was created in 1975. He had a water ski school in West Palm Beach, Fla., in the 1960s and during that time was a performer in the Ski Club of the Palm Beaches water ski shows in many acts and flew the Flat Wing Kite for the shows. He also served as a driver and a judge. He was an AWSA Southern Region Councilman representing Florida for more than 20 years. His life’s work had been in boat design and production, mainly with Correct Craft. He also helped Rob Shirley in the development of the first MasterCraft. He was widely recognized as one of the most gifted towboat mechanics in the world.

John David Perillard Wiswall Ellis, 1971-2024

John David Perillard Wiswall Ellis, age 52, of Chuluota, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. JD was born in Montgomery, Ala. A U.S. national record holder in both junior slalom and jump, he was selected to represent the U.S. Junior Water Ski Team at the inaugural World U17 Waterski World Championships, where he became the first junior world jump champion. He successfully defending the title two years later, making him one of only four skiers to ever win multiple junior world jump titles. In total, he won five medals across the two world championships, finishing as the runner-up in overall at both tournaments.

Jeran Joe Hooten, 1942-2024

Dr. Jeran Joe Hooten claimed the victory of eternal life with Jesus on Feb. 13, 2024. Jeran had a zest for life and was a never-ending source of unconditional love for his family, friends, patients, and orthodontic office teammates. He loved the Lord Jesus and regularly attended church throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Jeran was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, and lived on a ranch where his father raised Angus cattle and Columbia sheep. When the cold winters became challenging, his parents decided to move south. After researching the best place to live, they decided on Austin, Texas. Jeran attended Baker School, University Junior High School, and McCallum High School, where he made many lifelong friends.

After graduating from McCallum in 1960, he attended the University of Texas at Austin where he became a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Because he made up his mind to become a dentist in 7th grade, Jeran applied to dental school during his sophomore year of college and was accepted to the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. He was 19 years old when he began dental school! In his dental school class, he met several fellow students who have been lifelong friends.

During his junior year at McCallum, Jeran met a girl named Janet. After dating for seven years, he married her two weeks after his graduation from dental school. Jeran had been accepted into an army internship, and he was assigned to Letterman General Hospital at the Presidio in San Francisco. Newlyweds Jeran and Janet left Austin in their new Corvette for a year-long “honeymoon” in San Francisco. In exchange for the internship program, Jeran gave two additional years to the army as a captain. He was assigned to a small security post near Petaluma, California, where he enjoyed being the only dentist on post. He was able to travel around California and the Pacific Northwest with his new bride.

Orthodontic residency back at the University of Texas Dental Branch came next. With the help of his father, he built an orthodontic office on Shoal Creek where he practiced for 48 years! He also had a satellite practice in Taylor, Texas. His feeling of going to “work” each morning was one of joy. “I can’t wait to go to the office!” Many perfect smiles came out of those 48 years. He had the respect of dentists and his team members as a result of his high standards in the orthodontic field. His many patients touched his life, and he attended football games, basketball games, graduations, weddings, and other events in support of them and their families.

Jeran was the ultimate professional and always pursued more C.E. than required. For many years, he served in leadership positions in the Capital Area Dental Society and the Texas Dental Association, as well as the Southwestern Society of Orthodontists. Twice he was voted “Dentist of the Year” for the Capital Area Dental Society. It was at their board meetings that he became fond of Pecan Fudge Balls.

Jeran was a member of the Rotary Club of West Austin for over 50 years, serving in several leadership roles, including President. His generosity and love for rotary inspired him to become a Paul Harris Fellow.

Jeran and Janet have held season tickets for the Austin Symphony Orchestra since 1975. Jeran was honored to have been a member of the Knights of the Symphony and Lord Chancellor XXXVI.

Jeran learned to ski as a young teenager in 1956 behind his parents’ boat on Lake Austin. He quickly excelled and became a competitor at local, regional, and national tournaments. He trained with several other young men who became close, lifelong friends. Water skiing was a passion and a family affair, and both his children and grandchildren have been involved in tournament skiing. Jeran made many beloved friends in the ski community.

Just being on the water was not enough. He also became a tournament official as a judge, scorer, and driver. When it became difficult to train on Lake Austin, he and a friend built competition ski lakes on land between Hutto and Taylor. These lakes became known as Frame Switch Ski Lakes, and countless fun hours were spent there. In fact, when asked to travel, Jeran declared he would love to travel I35 and SH79 to Frame Switch! The University of Texas Water Ski Team continues to practice at Frame Switch, and Jeran’s grandson Carter Hooten is carrying on the family tradition as a member and the president of the team.

Jeran was a beloved husband to Janet for 57 years, a devoted father to Jennifer and Dax McCracken and Jody and Stephanie Hooten, and a caring grandfather to Madeleine and Bailey Muselwhite; Vivi, Mary Margaret, and Elizabeth McCracken; and Caroline, Carter, and Christian Hooten. His loving parents, Joe and Janis Hooten, and sister, Janeil Bernard, preceded Jeran in death.

Please consider a donation to the Capital Area Dental Foundation: https://www.capitalareadentalfoundation.org 4407 Bee Caves Road, #621 Austin, TX 78746

Carl "Bill" Wenner Jr., 1931-2024

Carl "Bill" Wenner Jr., an Ambassador/Lifetime member of USA Water Ski & Wake Sports and past president of the organization, passed away on May 3, 2024 in Winter Haven, Fla. He is survived by his loving wife, Teddy of Auburndale, Fla.; children, Mary Lizabeth Jasinski of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Carl William Wenner III of Salem, Virginia, Christopher Scott Tryon of North Brunswick, New Jersey, and Matthew Stephen Tryon of Roseville, California. He will truly be missed. There will be a celebration of life on June 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chamber in Winter Haven, Fla. Donations may be made in Bill's name to The Scholarship Fund at http://www.usa-wwf.org.

Steven R. Lohr, 1949-2024

Steven R. Lohr, 75, of Sparta, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Charlottesville, Steve graduated from the College of William and Mary. He embarked on a successful career in public accounting with Peat Marwick (now KPMG) and retired as a partner after 20 years. Steve later served in local government, working for the City of Richmond and then as Assistant County Administrator for Hanover County. He concluded his career as Executive Vice President at Franklin Federal Savings Bank (now Towne Bank). Steve was a devoted member of Salem Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was also a pillar of the community, serving as a founding member of the Sparta Ruritan Club. He was a long-time board member of the EverBless Foundation (Virginia Baptist Foundation) and Good Samaritan Ministries. Steve’s true passion was water skiing. He brought immense joy to countless individuals by teaching people of all ages to ski at Lohr’s Lake in Sparta. Steve began competitive water skiing at the age of 15 and became a highly accomplished competitor, official, judge, coach, and supporter for USA Water Ski events. He achieved the prestigious title of National Trick Champion in both 2019 and 2020. He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Ann; his mother, Lura “Lucy” Lohr; his children, Benny Lohr (Anna) and Susie Davis (Eric); his brother, Ron Lohr (Lynn); eight adored grandchildren, Grace and Douglas Lohr, Emma, Cameron, Freddy, Ricky, Benjamin, and Jonathan “Sixer” Davis; numerous nieces and nephews; and David Harrell (Helen), whom Steve considered a brother. The family will receive friends at the Bowling Green chapel of Storke Funeral Home on Sunday, April 21 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 22 at 11:00 am at Salem Baptist Church in Sparta, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salem Baptist Church, 24032 Sparta Road, Milford VA 22514.

Stephanie Smith Walker, 1965-2024

Mrs. Stephanie Ira Smith Walker died peacefully of cancer on April 7 2024 at the age of 58. She was surrounded by her family at her home, “the happiest place on Earth,” Walmead Farms in Milledgeville Georgia.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, Thaddeus Meadows Walker, and her two children, Stevenson Edward Walker and Fowler Scott Walker.

Stephanie was born on September 3, 1965, in Atlanta Georgia, to Dr. Walter Smith and Carolyn Fowler Smith. She attended Darlington School in Rome Georgia (Class of 1983) and attended Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville Georgia (Class of 1987)

Stephanie married Thaddeus Meadows Walker in 1993 and their passion for travel led their family on a myriad of adventures across the world; including their favorite destination, America’s national parks. Stephanie is survived by a group of family and friends that is far too grand to list individually and is a testament to her kind and generous nature that brought her into life-long and lasting friendships with so many people.

A service is scheduled for 1:00 pm Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the chapel of Moores Funeral Home & Crematory, 301 S Wayne St, Milledgeville, GA 31061, where all are welcome to attend and celebrate Stephanie’s life. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m. at Moores Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Darlington School 1014 Cave Springs Rd. SW Rome, Georgia, 30161, Milledgeville Pickleball Group or to the National Parks Service.

Johnnie Reese Matranga, 1931-2024

Johnnie Reese Matranga died March 8, 2024 in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 93. He was born in Sacramento Jan. 12, 1931 to John G. Matranga and Isabelle Jeanette Reese.

He was predeceased by his Mother Jeanette Reese and father John G. Matranga and his brother George.

He is survived by his sister Roselyn “Lynn” Matranga, his wife of 72 years Leora Kaufer Matranga, daughter Cyndi Matranga Benzel (David), son Johnnie William “Rocky” Matranga (Heather), Grandchildren: Tarah Benzel Mikacich (Cobe), Tyler Benzel (Katie), great-granddaughter Caroline Grace Benzel, Mackenzie, Victoria, Ana, Ariana, Madison, Camden, Alexander and Hadley Matranga.

He graduated from Grant Union High School in 1949. As a Pacer, he sang in the choir, was on the boxing and varsity football teams, was President of his freshman class and the Block G Society.

In the summer of 1946 and 1947 he worked for the U. S. Forest Service on Blister Rust Control He was stationed in Hilt, Calif., in 1946 and Butte Meadows near Paradise in 1947.

Always mechanical, he built a 1934 Ford Hot Rod. He joined the Asphalt Flyers and participated in drag racing.

In 1945 he joined the U. S. Naval Reserve and participated in cruises to the Panama Canal and Hilo, Hawaii.

After graduation from Grant in 1949, he enrolled at Grant Technical College. He studied bookkeeping and played football. He married Leora “Billee” Kaufer in 1951. They celebrated their 72nd anniversary in December.

He worked for Standard Motor Parts on Del Paso Boulevard as a parts man and bookkeeper and at Aerojet General in the solid rocket division. He was sent to Dallas, Texas a week after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. For several years he serviced the trucks for Canteen Service. He was the Supervisor for the city of Sacramento Shops that maintained the police cars and garbage trucks.

In the 1950s he discovered water skiing on the Sacramento River. He and his wife joined the Sacramento Water Ski Club and began a longtime participation in tournament water skiing. He won many championships, including 3 National Championships. In 2009 he was presented with the USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation's Award of Distinction. He was elected to the Western Region Council and was elected Executive Vice president for the Western Region. He served on the Correct Craft Promotional Team and helped with design and development of the Ski Nautique. He served on the team for 20 years and took his boat to tournaments all over the west coast.

Together with his daughter, Cyndi, who was a student at Sacramento State in the early 1970s and Dr. William Bynam they started a water ski class on campus. Johnnie ran the program for 9 years. It was very popular and always had a waiting list. Brian and Cindi Dulgar were among a number of students who helped him with the program. The Dulgars now run the program at the Aquatic Center.

When he retired he devoted his energies to the Grant Union High School Alumni Association. He served as Association president for 13 years and he continued to serve as a director up to the present and as Museum Maintenance Man.

Karel Lamont Wolters, 1940-2024

Karel Lamont Wolters, age 83 of Casnovia, MI, passed away February 10, 2024. Karel was welcomed to this earthly realm July 4, 1940, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Phillip and Emmogene Wolters. Karel was a heartfelt man who had a strong love for his family. Karel had five children alongside his dedicated wife, Patricia. Karel was immensely passionate about water skiing; he made various friends all over the country throughout his life. Karel will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Patricia Wolters; children Vance (Melissa) Wolters, Scott (Chris) Wolters, Brian Wolters, and Joseph (Lynn) Wolters; siblings Mary Hanna, Phil (Mary) Wolters, Craig Killingbeck, and Larry (Sue) Wolters. Karel was a loving grandfather to Lucas Wolters, Alysia Gutierrez, Rauli Vega, Cameron Wolters, Ryan Wolters, Macy Whipple, Haley Buhland, Sidney Buhland, Emily Buhland, and Ellie Buhland. He will also be lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Karel was preceded in death by his grandson, Devin Wolters; sister, Phyllis Killingbeck; and son, Karel "Flip" Wolters.

A memorial service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418 to celebrate Karel's live and honor his memory. Visitation will occur from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. May Karel Lamont Wolters rest in peace, and may his loved ones find comfort in the cherished memories they shared with him. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their online guest book.

Dean Chappell, 1951-2024

Vernon Dean Chappell, 72, of Decatur, IL, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, with his wife and two daughters by his side. Born on January 18, 1951, Dean was the youngest child of Thomas E. and Florence E. Chappell, of Decatur, IL. He married Becky Sue Hausmann, on August, 24, 1974. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Kelly (Troy) Zoellner, of Jacksonville, IL, and Sara (Brian) Vanagas, of Decatur, IL, and 4 grandchildren (Jaret Zoellner, Julia Zoellner, Bode Vanagas and Cooper Vanagas), his mother (Florence), and one sister Diana (Jerry) Bafford, sister-in-law Janet Thurn, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father (Thomas) and his two brothers (Thomas and Donald).

After graduating from Eisenhower High School in 1969, Dean got his degree in mechanical engineering from Eastern Illinois University. Upon graduation, Dean spent the majority of his career as a mechanical engineer at Archer Daniels Midland, retiring in 2013.

While in college, Dean worked several summers for City of Decatur Lake Patrol. During this time, he became a member of the S.K.I. Waterski Club before joining P.I.T.S Water Skiers in 1979. Dean’s passion for water skiing never faltered throughout his life and he held numerous positions within the American Water Ski Association, all in the name of furthering the sport and sharing his love with others. Some of his proudest moments were spending time teaching his daughters and grandchildren to ski and sharing in all their accomplishments. He was an avid 3-event skier, with numerous Midwest Regional Jump records, Illinois State Overall and Jump records and National Jump records. The pinnacle of his career was winning the Over 65 Men’s Jump World Title in Santiago, Chile in 2018, after recovering from a broken neck in 2015. He was a very active driver, judge and technical controller at water ski tournaments, and always willing to help out in any way he could. He was instrumental in supporting the University of Illinois Waterski Club, beginning in 1997, helping countless skiers learn and develop a love for competitive water skiing. 

Other pastimes included bowling and watching his beloved sports teams: the Cubbies, Bears, and Illini. He had weekly lunches with his longtime buddies, where they likely solved all the world’s problems, but told no one. Dean’s generosity was best seen as an always willing handyman, helping fix countless issues for friends and family, without ever asking for anything in return. 

After retirement, Dean and Becky were blessed to be able to spend 10 years snow birding in Lake Worth, Florida, where they made some wonderful new “old” friends. They have traveled many places in their 49 plus years of marriage, especially loving any time spent together on a beach with a beer in hand. 

A celebration of life will be held in Decatur, Ill., at a later day. Until then as Dean would say “you just take care of yourself.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the AWSA Midwest scholarship fund (checks can be made out to “American Waterski Association Midwest” and mailed to 350 South Gravel Pit Rd, Decatur, IL 62522) or an organization of your choice in Dean’s name.