Craig William Chapleau

Craig William Chapleau lived a remarkable ninety-six years that spanned nearly a century of American life, from his birth in Madison, Wisconsin on July 2, 1929, through his peaceful passing on March 25, 2026. Born during the early days of the Great Depression to parents Elmer and Marjorie Chapleau, Craig would grow up to embody the resilience and determination that defined his generation.

His early years were marked by a commitment to service and education that would shape his entire life. While still in high school, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving from 1946 to 1948 during the immediate post-World War II period. His dedication to military service continued through his participation in the Army Reserve from 1952 to 1956, demonstrating a deep commitment to his country during the Korean War era.

Craig's athletic prowess emerged early at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he walked onto the football team as a freshman. This achievement at such a competitive program foreshadowed his lifelong dedication to sports excellence. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Craig pursued a career in retail management that would span nearly four decades.

On September 30, 1950, Craig married Florene, affectionately known as "Flo," beginning what would become a loving partnership of approximately fifty years until her death in 2014. Their marriage weathered the challenges of Craig's retail career, which required the family to relocate to many different cities as he managed stores for major national chains including Montgomery Ward and Gimbels.

Eventually, Craig and Flo settled in Greendale, Wisconsin, where they would make their home for fifty-three years. This stability allowed them to raise their three children—Mark, Burt, and Kim—and establish deep roots in their community. Craig took great pride in sharing his athletic abilities with his children, teaching them handstands, handsprings, and front-yard flips, as well as diving board techniques.

In 1981, at age fifty-two, Craig made the bold decision to leave corporate retail and strike out on his own, founding Time Square Watch Shops. What began as a single location grew into a thriving family business, expanding to six locations by 1990 with the active involvement of his children Burt and Kim. The business established itself as a leader in watch sales and service, with locations including one at Southridge Mall in Greendale.

Craig's athletic achievements were truly extraordinary. Following in his father Elmer's footsteps, he excelled in handball and became a national champion in the sport. His competitive spirit extended to tennis, where he won numerous tournaments, continuing to play both sports actively well into his seventies and eighties. This remarkable longevity in competitive athletics spoke to his exceptional physical condition and unwavering dedication to fitness.

As an avid Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer fan, Craig rarely missed a game, always dressing the part and ready to cheer on his teams. His love of sports was matched by his passion for family vacations, camping, beaches, and his hobby of building model airplanes.

Around 2000, Craig and Flo began escaping Wisconsin winters by spending ten seasons in Fort Myers, Florida, where they shared many happy memories. After Flo's passing, Craig was fortunate to meet Lila Nurmi, and they enriched each other's lives for several years.

Craig's family continued to grow across generations. He took great pride in his grandchildren Gina, Nicole, and Riley, and was blessed with three cherished great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Wyatt, and Calia. His brother James "Jim" Chapleau, who passed away in 2016, had been married to Sharon and had children Kristine and Matthew. Craig was also predeceased by his sister Joan Marjorie Chapleau Virnig.

In his final years, Craig resided at the Forest Ridge Senior Community Center in Hales Corners for more than six years, where the staff enabled him to live relatively independently as he desired. When his health declined, he received compassionate end-of-life care from Zilber Hospice.

Craig William Chapleau passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to family, determination in work and play, and a competitive spirit that always gave his best. He was deeply loved, and his absence is felt by all who knew him.