William D. Chapko, Jr.

     William Donald Chapko, Jr., age 87, of Elsie, MI, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.
      A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, Bannister, MI, on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Andrzej Boroch presiding. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 2-8 P.M., with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
      Bill was born in Pompeii, Michigan on August 22, 1938, the son of William J. and Katherine Lucille (Benadick) Chapko. He married Janice I. Thelen, on April 30, 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Westphalia, MI. They were blessed with fifty-six years of marriage, prior to her passing on January 12, 2017.
     Bill resided most of his life in the Elsie area, working as a dairy farmer. Before committing to his career, he served his country in the U.S. Army for two years as a PFC. He was also a lifetime member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church in Bannister, MI. Family was very important to Bill. He loved to bowl, play golf and euchre. He loved cheering on the grandkids at their games. Any reason to spend time with family was a good reason to Bill. Kolaches were also a personal love of Bill's, especially when his daughter Julie made them.
     He is survived by his children: William F. Chapko of Elsie, MI; Daniel (Vicky) Chapko of Elsie, MI; and Julie Chapko and Jodie Mitchell of Lennon, MI. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: DJ and Charlie Chapko of Ovid, MI; Phillip Chapko of Elsie, MI; Haley and Andy Grocholski of Flushing, MI; Curtis Chapko of Elsie, MI; Vanessa, Gavin, and Travis Chapko of Lennon, MI; great-grandchildren: Daniel III, Amelia, and Harper Chapko; and many brothers and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Janice, many brothers and sisters-in-law.
     Memorials may be made to St. Cyril's Catholic Church. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.