Unger Horner Funeral Home
815-562-4534

Ashton

Stephen Emerson Chapman, age 73, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at his home with his family at his side. Stephen was born on January 18, 1942 in Dixon, IL, the son of Phillips and Bessie (Thomas) Chapman. He married Brenda Kay Henert on January 26, 1963 in Ashton. Stephen's passion was farming, so much so that he passed on a football scholarship to Colorado. He devoted his entire life to farming, both grain and livestock. He was a dedicated husband and father; he loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a passionate Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. Stephen had a love for nature, wildlife and gardening. He was an avid reader and never stopped learning. There was a special place in his heart for mentoring young men.

Stephen was a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed visiting shut-ins. He was an Ashton School Board President. He also served as a Master of Ashton Lodge 531. He was a member of The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Keith Chapman and John Chapman; two sisters: Carley Davis and Hollis Chapman and nephew, Bill Chapman.

Stephen is survived by his wife of 52 years, Brenda Chapman of Ashton; three children: Teresa (Jason) Davidson of Roscoe, Bradley (LuAnn) Chapman of Byron, and David Chapman of Ashton; seven grandchildren: Alexa (James) Buikema and Caleb Davidson; Zachary, Taylor, and Addison Chapman; Stephen and Jake Chapman; two sisters: Natalie Calhoun of DeKalb and Margaret Moor of Sierra Vista, AZ and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M., Monday, November 2, 2015 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle with a Masonic Service at 7:00 P.M. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1100 Calvin Road, Rochelle with Rev. Dr. James Tilley and Rev. Doug Forsberg officiating. A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the funeral at the church. Burial will be later at the Ashton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice and Home or to the First Presbyterian Church. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the on line guest book.