Craig W. Chapleau, age 96, passed away peacefully on March 25th, 2026. Craig is survived by his loving children, Mark (SuZanne), Burt, and Kim (the late Tom) DeCamara, and his sister-in-law, Sharon Chapleau. Craig took great pride in his grandchildren, Gina (Stephen), Nicole (Cody), and Riley. Craig was also blessed with three cherished great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Wyatt, and Calia. Craig was preceded in death by his wife, Florene (‘Flo’), his brother Jim, his sister Joan Virnig, and his parents, Elmer and Marjorie Chapleau.

Craig was born in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1929. While still in high school, Craig chose to serve his country in the Marine Corps (1946-1948) and the Army Reserve (1952-1956). He was united in marriage with Flo on September 30, 1950. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Craig pursued a career in retail, which took him and his family to many different cities, eventually settling in Greendale, Wisconsin, where they lived for 53 years. He loved family vacations, camping, beaches, building model airplanes, and sports.

Craig was an exceptional athlete. He walked on to the University of Wisconsin football team in his freshman year. He displayed and taught numerous skills to his kids, including handstands and handsprings in the front yard, flips off the diving board, and juggling. He excelled in tennis and handball. Following in his father’s footsteps, he won numerous tournaments and became a national champion in handball. He continued to play both sports into his seventies and eighties. He was also an avid Wisconsin Badger and Green Bay Packer fan, always dressing the part and ready to cheer on the team! He rarely missed a game.

After managing many national retail stores (Montgomery Wards, Gimbles), he decided to open his own business, and “Time Square Watch Shops” was born in 1981. By 1990, he had opened 6 stores with his son Burt and daughter Kim by his side. By the year 2000, Craig and Flo were ready to escape the Wisconsin winters. They enjoyed 10 ‘winters’ in Fort Myers, Florida. It was there that they shared many happy memories. After Flo passed, Craig was fortunate to meet Lila Nurmi. They enriched each other’s lives for several years.

Our father was dedicated to his family and determined in his work and play. He enjoyed competition and always gave his best. He was deeply loved, and he will be missed.

Our family is grateful to the Forest Ridge Senior Community Center in Hales Corners for providing an ideal living space and extraordinary assistance while enabling our dad, Craig, to live relatively independently over the last 6+ years, as he desired. We also thank Zilber Hospice for their kind and compassionate care for Craig.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation and/or Zilber Hospice.

Visitation will take place at Max A Sass - Greenridge Chapel, 4747 S. 60th St., Greenfield, WI 53221, on Friday, April 10th, from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm.