Michael John Chapko, 66, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022, following a long battle with cancer. Michael was born on March 15, 1956, to John and Barbara Chapko in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended South Milwaukee High School where he started on a conference championship football team, and later earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Michael obtained accreditation as a volleyball coach, and the years he spent coaching girls’ volleyball were especially meaningful to him. Michael spent his career primarily in K-12 school environments as the Director of Maintenance & Operations. While living in Wisconsin he worked for Milwaukee Public Schools, and after relocating to California he held administrative positions with Moreno Valley Unified School District, Chino Valley Unified School District, and East Whittier City School District.
Michael was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and son. He was a loyal sibling and a treasured uncle. His cooking and grilling skills were legendary, and family and friends looked forward to his annual Christmas cookies and summer barbecues with anticipation and appreciation. Holidays were special to Michael, especially Christmas. His joy in decorating a live, 14 ft. Christmas tree in his living room has become a cherished story. Gardening was one of his favorite pastimes, and he often shared his backyard produce with friends and coworkers. Michael was a determined individual with strong opinions and firm convictions. His tough exterior guarded a caring nature which will be long remembered by those who knew and loved him.
Michael is survived by his wife, Ida (Reed) Chapko, formerly of Mill Shoals, Illinois; a daughter, Carly Chapko; a step-daughter, Amy Gilliam; two step-granddaughters, Michala Olasin and Brooklynn Gilliam; mother, Barbara Chapko; sisters, Karen (Mark) Fairbanks and Nancy Chapko; brother, Terry (Paige) Chapko; and nieces/nephews, Tanner Chapko, Kendall Chapko, Brendan Chapko, Amanda (Andy) Fairbanks, Natalie (Jason) Fairbanks, Julia (Michael) Drought, Jonathan Drought, and Tim Drought. Michael was preceded in death by his father, John Chapko.
Close friends and family will celebrate Michael’s life with a private memorial.