Major John Wayne Chappell

Major John Wayne Chappell, 86, of Burt, Iowa, passed away on August 16, 2025, at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

A private family service will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, is assisting the family. Full military honors will be accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard.

John was born on April 16, 1939, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of John J. and Rita (Honkamp) Chappell. He graduated from Loras Academy in Dubuque in 1957. Following his graduation, he attended Iowa State University and Loras College. On September 18, 1960, he enlisted in the United States Army. John honorably served his country for 32 years in the United States Army and retired as a Major. On September 12, 1991, John was awarded the Army Achievement Medal. On July 29, 1961, John was united in marriage to Danielle K. Flanagan in Jersey City, New Jersey.

After retirement, John worked doing various security jobs. John enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, or golfing. He was an avid Iowa State Cyclones fan. John and Danielle lived in Ankeny, Iowa before retiring in Bella Vista, Arkansas in 2003. They celebrated 53 years of marriage together before her passing in 2014.

John is survived by his two sons, John J. (Lynn)of Smithville, MO, and David (Amy) of Fort Wayne, IN; two grandchildren, Nicole and Sydney Chappell; two step-grandchildren, Caitlyn Best and Kyle Evans; three step-great-grandchildren, Cayden, Emmett, and Jaxon; two brothers, Rev. James of Zwingle, IA, and Richard (Pat) of Loudon, TN; sister Kathy (Edward) of Anacortes, WA; and special friend Barb Bauer of Burt, IA.

He was preceded in death by his wife Danielle, and his parents John and Rita.

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