Dennis T. Chapman
May 23, 1944 – August 15, 2021
Preceded in death by wife, Karen Chapman; parents, Frances and Tom Chapman. Survived by wife, Roseanne Emery; children: Kim (Tom), Tom (Cheryl), Beth Lichtenberg (Mark), Mike (Ana) Jim (Morgan), Mary (Danny); stepchildren: Jeanne Leeds (Rick), Kristin Hook (Shane), Meri White (Kent), Tom Emery (Sarah); 11 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 4 great-step-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends Thursday, August 19th from 5pm to 7pm followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, August 20th at 10am, all at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 20500 W. Maple Street, Elkhorn, NE. The family encourages mask. Interment: Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Holy Name Grade School, Marian High School, Heart Ministry Center Omaha, or Creighton Athletics.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.
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Dennis T. Chapman died peacefully in his sleep on August 15, 2021. He had suffered dementia and cancer in his last months of life while residing at Country House (a memory care facility) near Elkhorn, Nebraska.
Denny is remembered as an excellent father and grandfather. He was a friend to many people – and always had a story to tell. Denny was also a steadfast husband who stood by his wife, Karen, who died of cancer, – caring for her in illness. And stood by his second wife, Roseanne Emery, for the last thirteen years. Roseanne and Denny loved their “leftover life” traveling around the globe, particularly to the mountains near Estes Park, Colorado.
Denny was born in 1944 to Tom and Frances Chapman, who were fixtures of Holy Name, as was Denny. While in high school at Holy Name, Denny excelled in multiple sports including baseball. He went on to play baseball for Creighton University. He was known for his solid defense, excellent arm and his warning track power.
Following undergraduate studies at Creighton, Denny went on to study law. He graduated law school in 1969. Denny was also married to Karen in February of the same year. He joined the Army as a JAG officer and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey until 1975 – sharing many memories with 
friends who now reside across the United States.
Upon his return to Omaha, Denny practiced law in private practice until joining Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the early 1980s. He was the general counsel and corporate secretary for more than twenty-five years. Beyond the work, Denny was renowned for his caring attitude, making many lifelong friends while working for BCBS.
Denny had six children with Karen. He was a fixture as a coach for his kids and their school teams – especially those of Mary Our Queen. They sent their kids to Catholic schools, and Denny was the President of the Archdiocesan School Board. They volunteered regularly at Mary Our Queen, Creighton Prep, and Marian High School.
Denny was also a lifelong Creighton fan. He was known to utter, “Once a Bluejay, always a Bluejay.” As such, he frequented team trips, often attended basketball practice, and was known and loved by many in the Creighton family.
Denny was preceded in death by wife, Karen Chapman; parents, Frances and Tom Chapman. He is survived by wife, Roseanne Emery, children: Kim (Tom), Tom (Sheryll, aka Cheryl), Beth Lichtenberg (Mark), Mike (Ana Lisa), Jim (Morgan), and Mary (Danny); stepchildren: Jeanne Leeds (Rick), Kristin Hook (Shane), Meri White (Kent), and Tom Emery (Sarah); 11 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 4 great-step-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends Thursday, August 19th from 5pm to 7pm at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Elkhorn, 20500 West Maple Road, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022, followed by a VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, August 20th at 10am at St. Patrick Catholic Church. The family encourages masks to be worn to the services. Denny will be interred next to his wife, Karen, at Calvary Cemetery.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil Service and Mass, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggest to Holy Name Grade School (Donate : Cues School System), Marian High School to the Karen Burbach Chapman Memorial Scholarship Fund (Donate Today » Marian High School), the Heart Ministry Center (Donate with PayPal Giving Fund), or Creighton Athletics (Creighton University – Creighton Athletics Giving – Gift Details (imodules.com)) – GO JAYS!
15 Comments
Dennis Chapman
Remembering Denny as one of the smartest guys in the graduating class of 1962 at Holy Name. May the angels escort him to the throne of God. Our prayers go up for all
Denny was a champ. Whether in sports, academics, or decorating the gym for a dance, he was always there for all of us. Prayers for his family.
Jim Smith, Holy Name Class of 1962
Denny and Jim Smith were 2 of my best coaches! God bless his soul.
I worked with Denny for many years at Blue Cross. He was a great boss and mentor, and a genuinely good person. Dedicated to his family, faith, work, and of course, Creighton BlueJays. Always a story or sports anecdote to share. Will always be a special person to me. My prayers and sympathies for the family.
I worked with Denny at BCBS for 36 years.
No one can be “up” all the time but Denny seemed the closest to anyone I’ve known. He was a joy, smart, funny and kind. We were together during Holy Name grade school years and a brief time at Creighton after I ended my tour of studying with the Redemptorists. He called me out of the blue a few years ago and we talked — the first time in more than 50 years — about our families, his own big and blended, “the Jays” and his volunteer work at the Omaha visitors center. If anyone could rival Warren Buffett as an Omaha ambassador, it was Denny. RIP old friend.
No one can be “up” all the time but Denny comes — closest to anyone I’ve known. He was joyful — smart, funny, generous and kind. We’d attended Holy Name grade school together and briefly Creighton after I’d ended my tour of studying with the Redemptorists. He called out of the blue a few years ago and we talked — the first time in more than 50 years — about our families, his own big and blended, “the Jays” and his volunteer work with the Omaha visitors bureau. If anyone could rival Warren Buffett on being an Omaha ambassador, it would be Denny. RIP old friend.
My deepest sympathies to the Chapman family. I was blessed to work with Denny at BCBS for many years. He was a wonderful person and a champion for always doing the right thing. He was an incredibly caring man and so proud of his family. Thinking of Denny and grateful for the time I got to spend learning from him.
like most young attys, i knew very little about the practice/nuts and bolts of the law. denny was always helpful to me and other youngish attys on how to approach an issue. he told me that the way to pay him back was to be helpful to young attys as i grew in the practice. i hope i did him proud. god speed to he and his beloved fam.
A great man. It was my privilege and joy to work with Denny in the legal department at Blue Cross of Nebraska. You could count on him. He was a fine lawyer, very knowledgeable on Nebraska law. Denny had great concern for the member policy holders and the employees. He was also great to have as a friend. We had a lot of laughs. I always enjoyed talking sports with him or sitting by him at a game, because his knowledge and insights were so much greater than my own. Once, I asked him what a four seam fastball was. The next day he brought in a baseball and showed me! For years he had a baseball bat in his office. Sometimes he would casually swing it while we discussed some non baseball matter. Well at least it was casual to HIM, but it was a little intimidating if you were sitting a few feet away! He loved his wonderful family. He loved Omaha, He was always willing to pitch in on something needed in his community. God, thank you for Denny Chapman!
Like many , I was blessed to know Denny and benefit from his kindness. He was a true friend in time of need. Giving , caring and smart as could be. Prayers of comfort for all of his family as you grieve but celebrate a life so well lived. All of us could aspire to live such a life.
I went to Bishop Ryan H.S. and graduated in 1962. I got to know Denny and his father through sports and journalism. Both of them were wonderful, loving people. I ran into Denny on occasion over the years and always had a nice time visiting with him. I am so sorry for the family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chapman family: Our family has been keeping Dennis and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We can’t think of a better send off for your Dad and Grandfather than this device with Fr. Tom. Peace be with all of you.
Dear Chapman “Kids”
My husband, Jim Thibodeau, attended Holy Name School with your sweet Dad for 13 years. Their parents were friends, and Jim and I enjoyed so many fun dinners together with Karen and Denny. I’m sure Jim is greeting your Dad and is as happy to see him as you are sad to see him go. You are all a fine testament to them as fabulous parents.
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