Dixie Chapman

Dixie Chapman

1953-2021

Ollie.  Dixie Lea Chapman, 67, of rural Ollie, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021.  She was born Dec. 21, 1953, in Moline, Ill., the daughter of Gerald and Helen Robinson Fankhauser.  In high school she worked at Dickey’s Prairie Home.  She graduated from Pekin High School with the class of 1972.  Later that year she married Firm McBeth.  To this union two children were born Dustin and Somer.  Dixie and Firm later divorced.  Dixie worked various places including the Fairfield Glove Factory, waitressing at L&J Restaurant in Delta and Richland and for Bernie’s and Lori Ann’s and later at Pioneer for ten years.  On June 9, 1990, she was united in marriage to Allen Chapman in Boca Raton, Flo.  To this union two children were born, Chase and Shaina.  Dixie loved kids.  She cherished the years she stayed home to care for her family.  Once they were all in school, she found a job that would allow her to continue to make a positive impact on the youth of the community.  Her dream job at the Pekin Community School District as a teacher’s aide was where she was currently working.  She looked forward to going to work everyday and helping the staff and students.  She was a member of the Grace Family Church. She enjoyed working in her yard, tending to her plants and flowers, gardening, canning, and painting ceramics.  Her family was most important to her. She looked forward to spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchild.  She really enjoyed attending her children's and grandchildren's school activities.  She enjoyed being a part of the Pekin Wrestling Community, she was always there to support Al and the team throughout the year.  She also enjoyed attending Iowa Hawkeye and NCAA National Championship wrestling meets.  

Her family includes her husband of over 31 years, Allen Chapman of Ollie; four children, Dustin (De Anna) McBeth of Batavia, Somer (Jared) Greiner of Packwood, Chase Chapman of Richland, and Shaina (Jacob) Cooley of Boscobel, Wis.; thirteen grandchildren and one on the way; a great grandson; her mother, Helen Fankhauser of Iowa City; three sisters, Cindy Lindley of North Liberty, Sandy (Tony) Stramondo of Jupiter, Flo., and Janette (Dwayne) Blakely of Higginsville, Mo.; three brothers, Jerry Fankhauser of Lone Tree, Jeff (Danielle) Fankhauser of Washington, and Wayne Fankhauser of Jupiter, Flo.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father; and four grandchildren she continued to honor that were not carried to term.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. in the Grace Family Church southwest of Ollie, with Reverend Dar Eckley officiating.  Burial will be in the Rock Creek Cemetery.  The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation began Monday, Nov. 22, after 1 p.m. at the Grace Family Church and the family was at the church from 4-7 p.m. Monday evening to greet friends and relatives.  As an alternative to fresh flowers, please consider sending a live plant or contributing to the Dixie Chapman memorial fund, which will be used to support local organizations.