Edmund P. Arpin IV

Edmund Arpin IV, known as Chip Arpin, peacefully moved on from his battle with cancer on July 27th, 2024. Chip was a loving father, husband, brother and friend. He was born to Edmund and Nancy Arpin in Madison, Wisconsin, on August 8th, 1953. Growing up as a middle child with 5 other siblings, Chip’s childhood mischievousness and playfulness grew into a quick wit and ability to make others laugh in any circumstance, often at his own expense. These abilities, along with his empathy and compassion for others, gave him an innate ability to connect with just about anyone. Chip was a gifted salesperson. His authenticity and desire to selflessly help people built an immediate trusting relationship. He put his customers’ interests before the sale, often at the expense of his commission. His true passion was helping those who were vulnerable or disadvantaged, especially kids. He worked at Tomorrow’s Children, helping kids with childhood trauma and abuse. He went back to school in his early 50s and graduated with a degree in special education. He combined his love of golf and kids to volunteer at junior golf programs at Riverview and Crystal Springs golf courses. He loved making a difference in his students' lives and kept in close touch with several former mentees, offering support and words of encouragement whenever possible. The most meaningful connection Chip had is with his three children, Jessica, Eddie and Jack. He was a tremendous father who unconditionally loved his children and provided unbounded support, laughter, and unforgettable shared experiences. 

Chip also had his struggles with depression and addiction. He lived the last 14 years of his life sober and with a deep appreciation for the values of AA and the spiritual practices of meditation, which he developed early in life. Chip’s spirituality allowed him to explore what was truly important and instilled the lessons of the impermanence of life and all that comes with it. Chip leaned on his spirituality and practice through the ups and downs of his journey. He approached death in a pragmatic way and told everyone to celebrate as much as possible upon his passing because he was going to be letting go of a lot of pain and suffering. He loved nature and solitude and spent countless hours reflecting and being the best version of himself underneath the pines at Bubolz Nature Preserve. He passed on the love of nature, golf, and spirituality to his children. He was kind to a fault and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it, even if he needed it more! He passed away surrounded by those who loved him and died truly at peace. His final lessons he shared were love, forgiveness, and humility towards death and life.

Chip will be deeply missed by his children Jessica, Jack, and Eddie; his former spouse and best friend Margie; his infant grandson Edmund Arpin VI, who he hung onto life to meet and provided a lot of joy during his last remaining months; his siblings Joanne, John, Lisa, Nicole, and Matt; as well as the many nieces and nephews and the youngest generation of Arpins that he loved playing and laughing with at all the family functions. 

Chip is preceded in death by his parents, Nancy and Ed, and his grandfather Gonka, with whom he had a special bond. 

A memorial gathering will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6th, at Bubolz Nature Preserve, 4815 N Lynndale Dr, Appleton, WI 54913 with a time for sharing of memories at 11:30 a.m. Chip will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a kid smile or bringing joy to those who are often overlooked. 

Chip’s family would like to extend thanks to all the nurses, doctors, and staff who treated him over the last few years during his battle with cancer. Special thanks go out to Doctor Waples and his staff at Saint Lukes in Milwaukee. Super special thanks go out to Margie Arpin, who brought him in and took such good care of him during his final months and days. He wasn’t always the easiest patient, but he kept his sense of humor and generated laughter all the way to the end. He literally died with a smile on his face.

“Be Here Now”