Renate E. Chapman
26 June 1935 – 14 February 2026

Late Valentine's Day morning, Renate E. Chapman, the family matriarch left our presence peacefully while at home with family. Renate's life was a full, amazing journey for her and all who truly knew her. From austere beginnings growing up during World War II-ravaged Germany to young musical theatre dancer, wife of a U.S. Army officer, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Later in life, she ran several health food stores, before retiring with her husband in Florissant, MO to spend time with family.

Renate Ella Emma Marie Chapman was born the only child of Elisabeth, a seamstress, and Friedrich Beyreitz, a telegraph/telephone lineman in the Wilmersdorf borough of Berlin, Germany early in the morning of 26 June 1935; epicenter of the roiling conflict which was enveloping the world. She spent her early childhood in subway bomb shelters and experienced the atrocities of WWII, while living and growing up in Berlin. Late in the war, her small family fled the city to escape the increasing Allied bombing raids, back to her mother's ancestral homeland in Ústi nad Labem (German - Aussig) Czechoslovakia, living off the land. As Russia began its final military drive into Germany; the family hastily fled back to Berlin staying ahead of Russian forces. It was during this tumultuous time; Renate lost her father. She and her mother survived and were fortunate to settle on the Allied side of post-war Berlin. After completing school, she began a brief career as a show dancer in musicals, stage, and early TV shows in Europe.

In the late 50's, she met a young U.S. Army officer, Paul Chapman from Provincetown, MA stationed in Germany and they fell in love. Renate and Paul married in 1961 in Miami, OK and began their life together. Their family grew quickly with their first son, Paul, Jr. born in Missouri, adding her most cherished role in life, mother, to being a military wife. Brother Steve soon arrived in Nuremberg, Germany and then, sister Renee born in Virginia. Renate became fully absorbed as a military mother and wife. She achieved one of her proudest achievements in 1969, becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.

She became the model stay-at-home mother and wife. Using sewing skills, reluctantly learned from her mother, making and mending clothes, uniforms, dresses, costumes, drapes, and other home furnishings. She taught her sewing skills to daughter, Renee. Though self-admittedly not the best cook to begin, she continually honed her culinary skills, even learning how to make great tacos and burritos after her family became enamored with Taco Bell in California. No matter when, ordinary days, holidays, her family always sat down for well-prepared meals - morning, noon, and evening. Despite being a developing cook, Renate was an amazing baker, whether desserts for family, school-fundraiser bake sales or special occasions - her cakes, cookies, cupcakes, pies, etc. were phenomenal, professional-looking and tasted even better (sehr gut geschmeckt)!

The family moved often during husband Paul's military career - back-and-forth living in Germany and Virginia, followed by Missouri, with Paul serving in Vietnam. Back to Germany, Massachusetts, California and finally settling in Florissant, Missouri in the late 70's. Her children grew, finished school, left home, and began their own families. Renate went to work after 3 decades, managing a few health-food stores in the St. Louis area. She brought the same German qualities which made her such a great, successful mother and wife to her professional life - an extremely strong work ethic, focused reliability, methodical and structured planning. She ran the stores with "German" precision and efficiency. Shortly thereafter, she embraced her final role, one deeply cherished - grandmother and eventually, great-grandmother. Her husband, Paul passed in 2015 and daughter, Renee in 2017. Her two sons, Paul, Jr., Steve, and their families continue to celebrate Renate's life:5 grandchildren- Molly, Amy, Danny, Austin, and Hannah and 2 great grandchildren - Noah and Samson.

German traits often are summarized by the German concept of "Ordnung muss sein" -order must be maintained. On her refrigerator, Renate has a magnetic sticker – "You can always tell a German, but you can't tell her much!" Renate was most definitely German.

May God bless her and may she rest in his heavenly arms, forever!

Viewing will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 8:00 am, immediately followed by Funeral Services at 9:00 am at:
Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home
12444 Olive Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO  63141
(314) 514-1111

Burial at 10:00 am
Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO  63125

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home
www.osfuneralhomes.com