(Recording will be published and available a couple of hours after service. Thank you.)

Clinton Wade Chapel, 63 of Nemo, SD passed away on May 10, 2026, at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare, after losing his hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family; leaving behind a legacy of kindness and quiet humor that will be deeply felt by all who knew him. He was a steady, dependable presence, one people counted on without question.

Clint ‘Chief’ Chapel was born September 1, 1962, in Mobridge, SD to Mitchell and Deatta (Rousseau) Chapel. Clint grew up in Spearfish, and as a youth, he enjoyed summers playing baseball as well as spending time at his grandparents’ ranch in Timber Lake, SD. Clint often reminisced of his childhood, sharing stories with warmth, humor and an easy smile. Those memories grounded him and reflected the simple and honest values he carried throughout his life. After graduating from Spearfish High School in 1980, he held a variety of jobs from removing the railroad in the Dewey County area, to seismography and land reclamation. In 1990, Clint earned his plumbing license; he owned and operated Chapel Plumbing for many years. He later transitioned into a heavy equipment operator in the Nemo area. He took pride in his work and the way he lived his life. He believed in doing things right, showing up when it mattered and standing by the people around him.

Clint’s greatest accomplishment and joy came in 1994 when he became ‘papa’ to his daughter, Natay Dawn. From attending Natay’s dance recitals to walking her down the aisle, Clint’s love for his daughter was his biggest and greatest love. He beamed with pride when she graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic. When she moved to San Deigo, California, the distance was far, but their loving relationship always remained tightly bonded.

Clint’s heart was always open to helping those around him. Whether it be showing up to lend a hand or offering trusted plumbing advice without hesitation. Clint known as Chief to the countless number of friends. Helping those friends was humbling and rewarding, he didn’t consider his assistance a favor but enjoyment. He relaxed and found comfort in old western films and the music of John Prine and Johnny Cash, drawn to stories that felt real, timeless and honest. After a long day of work, he enjoyed a nice cold beer while cheering on his Kansas City Chiefs. It was simple pleasures that always brought him joy. Chief had a deep love for the place that shaped him. He often said, “I love the Black Hills, and the Black Hills love me.” That sentiment captured who he was; rooted and at home in the sacred land that he cherished.

Clint will be missed immensely by his daughter Natay Chapel-Steinlicht and his son-in-law, endearingly known as “Sonny Boy”, Zach Chapel-Steinlicht of San Diego, his mother Deatta Chapel, sister Dawn (Wes) Miles, brothers Ryne Chapel and Dwaine (Gayle) Chapel. All of whom were central to his life and will forever carry his memory forward. He is preceded in death by his father, Mitchell Chapel; maternal grandmother Dorothy Rousseau and paternal grandparents Raymond and Delores “Namo” Olson.

His life was one of steadiness, generosity and genuine care for others. While his absence leaves a profound ache, his spirit lives in shared laughter, remembered stories and the countless lives he quietly made better just by being himself. We love you, Clint, and will miss you.

A special heartfelt thank you to the many caregivers at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare and Stillwater Hospice who cared for Clint “Chief”. They all truly cared about him, his comfort and well-being, his family are very grateful.

Services will be held at 10:30AM on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel & Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at https://www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com/