Renate E. Chappell

Renate Elizabeth Chappell, 87, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, December 4, 2025 at her home in Columbia, SC.  Born in Schneidermuhl, Germany (now Pita, Poland) on November 14th, 1938, she immigrated to the United States with her family, arriving at Ellis Island, NY in 1954.  Renate received her teaching certificate from SUNY Cortland years later and held Special Education teaching positions in Hannibal, NY and LaPlata, MD until retirement after 32 years. She was also very active in the LaPlata Lions Club.  She later moved to Aiken, SC and most recently lived in Lexington, SC. and was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Lexington.

Renate is survived by her husband, Donald G. Chappell; her four children, Michelle Parker, Keith Fitzgerald, Christopher FitzGerald and Robin Decker; her siblings, Heidi Cooper, Juergen Gatzke and Peter Gatzke. 

She was predeceased by her parents, Otto Wendland and Elizabeth Gatzke; and her step-father, Erich Gatzke.

Renate was a talented seamstress and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and needle point as well as handcrafted ceramics.  She delighted in making gifts for family and friends. 

No calling hours or funeral service is currently planned. A celebration of her life will be scheduled for Spring of 2026. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family.

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