NIAGARA, Wis. — Dennis (Sam) Chartier passed away on April 19, 2022, surrounded by his family.
Sam was born on Sept. 3, 1933, at his parents’ home in Niagara, and he has lived in Niagara ever since, except for the time he spent serving his country in the army.
After returning from the army, he married the love of his life, Lois Hallgren, on Aug. 23, 1958. His happiest times were times spent with his wife, three kids, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Sam loved people, and people were drawn to him. He enjoyed meeting new people and catching up with old friends. His love for people and his community was evident in his 32 years as the director of The City of Niagara Park & Recreation program, 50 years of service in the Niagara Volunteer Fire Department, and his many years of service on the Red Cross Disaster Relief Team and as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army.
He was very proud of his 43-year career at the Niagara Mill. He even continued as a tour guide after his retirement. Sam also served on the Niagara Bank Board of Directors for over 20 years.
Sam was an avid sports fan. He watched many Packer and Cub games throughout the years. He also enjoyed playing football, softball, ski jumping, and baseball. His passion for sports led him to establish the Niagara Youth Flag Football League, which was later renamed in his honor.
Sam and Lois loved to travel. Even though Sam enjoyed many trips with his wife and good friends, he liked staying at his cottage on Sand Lake fishing the most.
Sam is survived by, his wife, Lois of Niagara; brother, Richard (Elly) Chartier of Niagara; brother-in-law, Jim (Anne) Hallgren of Niagara; sister-in-law, Rita Parrotta of Gladstone; three children, Dan (Julie) Chartier of Niagara, Sheryl (Kelly) Curran of Greenville, Wis., and Jim (Monica) Chartier of Iron Mountain; eight grandchildren, Dana (Rodrigo) Orozco, Justin Chartier, Megan (Kevin) Helf, Melissa (Mitch) Keuer, Jake Chartier, Tyler (Maria) Chartier, James Chartier Jr., and Sam Chartier; seven great-grandchildren: Gabriela, Natalia, Nora, Eloise, Owen, Graham, and Channing; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary Chartier; two brothers, Eugene Chartier and Jim Chartier; two sisters-in-law, Mabel Chartier and Vern Chartier; and two brothers-in-law, Wayne Hallgren and John Parotta.
A special thanks to the caregivers at Evergreen Assisted Living in Norway, Northwoods hospice, and the VA Home-based primary care team for all their help with Sam’s care.
We are very thankful for the many friends and family that called and visited Sam while he was in hospice care.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 30, from 9:30 until 11:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Church, Iron Mountain. The funeral service will be Saturday, 11:30 a.m., at the church. Rev. Paul Strom will officiate. Burial will take place in Niagara Cemetery in Niagara.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Sam’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home & Cremation Services-Niagara Chapel of Niagara, to honor Sam’s legacy of life.
Travis Burnett
A pioneer in the flag football community, Travis helped co-found the Flag Football World Championship Tour, FlagSpin and USA Flag. Featuring 15+ years of content creation for the sport of flag football, creating and managing the largest flag football tournaments on the planet, coaching experience at the youth and adult level as well as an active player with National and World Championship level experience.
