Lake living was nothing new to Mike and Debbie Chapman prior to arriving at Sun Valley Lake in February 2002. Mike is a native of Minnesota and was building a house on Madison Lake, outside of Mankato, MN, when he and Debbie met in 1988. Both were working for Pioneer Hi-Bred. After getting married in 1990, Debbie, a native of rural Creston, IA, moved to Minnesota along with her 10-year-old son Jacob. Mike was a corn breeder with Pioneer and managed the Mankato corn research center. Over the years, he took on more responsibilities and in 2001 was promoted to being a corn research director which precipitated having to move to Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, IA. By this time Debbie and Mike had adopted two children, Emily and Matthew, from Paraguay. They moved to Johnston in August 2001.
The Chapman’s shared, While we loved the idea that the winters would be at least a month shorter and virtually no mosquitos as compared to Minnesota, we realized quickly that we had moved from ‘the land of 10,000 lakes’ to ‘the land of 10 lakes’. They almost immediately started looking for lake property and discovered Sun Valley Lake from a co-worker who had a cabin for sale, which they ended up buying in February 2002. They later discovered they had bought a prime location on the lake with good water, good views and good fishing. Multiple remodels later they feel set.
Mike and Debbie were weekenders for 12 years, before living here full-time upon Mike’s retirement from Pioneer in 2014. They now also spend time in Wes Des Moines. During their time at Sun Valley Mike has served on the SVILA Board twice, been a member of the Long-Range Planning Committee, the golf club board, and was recently elected to the RIZ Board. Debbie has been a member of the Beautification Committee, sewed and donated quilts for the Kids Fishing Tourney raffle, and organized home tours for the SVL Parrot Head Club fundraisers.
In closing, the Chapman’s shared these thoughts. We both appreciate the uniqueness of being part of a private Sun Valley Lake and are willing to do our part to help keep it that way. There will always be a few malcontents, but they are far, far outweighed by good, positive, and giving individuals. We appreciate the efforts of those that give their time and energy to making SVL a great place to be, from the board, SVILA staff, the many committee volunteers, and to Nick, Lynn and staff that have made the Clubhouse a fun place to eat, drink, and socialize. We have a great thing going, let’s all work together to sustain and improve upon it.
Debbie and I are fortunate to have been able to make a number of dear friends here at the lake. The boat cruises never get old. Our 5 grandkids love being here. There is always something new to see or notice. The water quality, swimming, and fishing are high quality. Thanks again to all of you that do your part. It is noticed and appreciated.
