Obituary of Joseph Alexis Chapman

Joseph Alexis Chapman (57) longtime resident of Plummer, ID passed away at his home on January 9, 2021. He was born to Ernest and Roberta (Garrick) Chapman on November 22, 1963 in Toppenish, WA. Joe was raised in Lapwai, ID until his father passed away in the early 1970’s. Roberta then moved her family to Plummer, ID to be closer to family. Joe attended Plummer High School and graduated with the class of 1982. Joe enjoyed hunting and met the love of his life when he asked John DeLorme to borrow his daughters truck which she would not let out of her sight. In May 0f 1985, Joe and Theresa married in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. They made their home in Plummer where they raised their 3 children and enjoyed their grandchildren. Joe went to work as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Poe Asphalt and then Scarsella Bros. out of Lewiston. For years he ran a twin engine scraper constructing most of the highways around this area. For the last 8 years he served as a mechanic for the Coeur d’ Alene Tribe. Joe was more than a mechanic however; as an equipment operator, he was one who took care of the grave digging in the Sacred Heart Mission Cemetery in DeSmet and Saint Michael’s Cemetery in Worley. He was always there for who needed him. In July of 2020, Joe was forced to quit work due to his diagnosis of cancer. In his spare time he very much enjoyed hunting and riding his UTV. He was well known for his wheeling and dealing skills and you never knew what vehicle the wave would come from. Joe owned a 1970 Chevelle and he loved classic cars. He and Theresa were members of the Rez Riders car club and their ATV club. Most important to him was his family, and he loved his children and grandchildren so very much. Joe is survived by his wife Theresa at their home in Plummer; children Crystal and Sam Abrahamson of Coeur d’ Alene, ID, Nicole Chapman of Post Falls, ID, and Joseph Chapman of Plummer, ID; siblings Debbie Chapman and Dave Ochoa of Plummer, ID, Dean Chapman of Plummer, ID, Melissa Henry and Dan Hossfeld of Worley, ID, Gayle Bear of Kamiah, ID, and Lori Wetsel of Utah; 3 grand daughters; Amya, Alexa & Aralynn & numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Ernest Chapman, Roberta Juneau, and Eli Nomee and his siblings Elizabeth Chapman, Cynthia Chapman, Grace Chapman, Anna Morrell, and Anita Judy. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Rosecreek Longhouse in Worley, ID. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Rosecreek Longhouse. Joe will be laid to rest following services at the Sacred Heart Mission Cemetery in DeSmet followed by a dinner back at the Longhouse in Worley.