Wasyl Chapla

Wasyl Chapla, age 82 passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. Wasyl was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine on January 29, 1941 to Alexander and Anna Chapla. He grew up in Fort Wayne, IN after immigrating from the Ukraine in 1950 with his mother and sister (Vera). After graduating from Central High School he sought a path for citizenship so he joined the Army. After being honorably discharged from the Army he came back to Fort Wayne, where he meet his future wife Kathleen and were married August 25, 1969. With an interest in the early muscle car scene and his background in the Army, he became a mechanic, working at several shops in town and eventually landing a job at Dana Corporation; where he would retire from after 20 years.

Wasyl loved 4 things: his family, golfing at Royal St. Mazock, his pool and looking for the best deal on a used Ford.

Wasyl was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kathleen, son Jeffrey, and parents Alexander and Anna. He is survived by his younger sister, Vera (Robert) Alsterberg of Tucson, Arizona; sons Steve (Brenda) Wertman of Angola, IN; Vasil (Erin) Chapla of Fort Wayne, IN; Chris (Megan) Chapla of Fort Wayne, IN; daughter Colleen Chapla of Fort Wayne, IN; 5 grandchildren Elizabeth, Sara, Keaton, Kennedy, and Evelyn; 6 great grandchildren; and niece Ginger Macali.

A visitation for Wasyl will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St Joe Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835. A military honors service will occur Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 3:30 PM, 6131 St Joe Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46835. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Wasyl’s life may be made to the American Cancer Society and Elara Caring.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HockemeyerMillerFH.com for the Chapla family.