John Allen Chape passed away in the early hours of Dec 4th 2025 at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska due to heart failure and COVID complications.

John was born on April 24, 1964 to Kit and Sharon Chape in Ontario, California. When John was young, he enjoyed riding bike and skate boarding on the beaches in Southern California. He was active in Karate, wrestling and boxing. John’s Dad would take him and his brother Paul surfing before they went to school.

John joined the Navy in 1985. He served on a destroyer, the USS Ingersoll. He did payroll and worked in the ship’s parts area. John was very proud to serve his country and had many stories to tell about his adventures at the various ports they docked. His ship was stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI and was honorably discharged in 1988.

John lived in Hawaii for 11 years. He was married for a short time before he was discharged from the Navy. John taught himself about computers. He read manuals and took exams to become a certified technician in various computer software programs. He later worked as an IT technician in hospitals and schools in California. He remarried after he moved back to California. The marriage didn’t last long. He got laid off from his job and divorced within a short period of time.

John always kept positive and had a good sense of humor. In 2013, he took a job in Bemidji, Minnesota working with copy machines. Shortly after his move and his new job, he met his wife, Annette (Hofius) Larson. They married on November 10, 2013 at the Sanford Medical Center Rehab Unit in Bemidji while he was recovering from bypass surgery and a stroke.

For fun, John enjoyed telling stories and jokes around the campfire, playing video games and brewing beer or wine. While in California, he won awards with his beer. In Minnesota, he and his wife made batches of mead and gave it as gifts to family and friends.

John is survived by his step mother, Anne Chape. His wife, Annette, his step children Kyle (Miranda) Larson and Kristy (Brandon) Moore. His granddaughters, Bethany Larson and baby girl Moore that is on the way. His Aunt Lin Chape, Aunt and Uncle Janice and Bill Chape. His cousins Janette Chape and daughter Briella. His mother-n-law and father-n-law, Charles and Irma Hofius. His Brother-n-laws, Tim (Lynelle) Hofius and Jerry Hofius. His many nieces and nephews.

John was proceeded in death by his grandparents, his dad, Kit Chape, and his brother, Paul Chape.

A Celebration of Life with be held in April at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Pine Island, MN.

To leave a condolence please use the form below.