Chae Wol Arbogast

Chae Wol Arbogast, 85, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026. Born on June 27, 1941, in Cheongwon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea, she was the beloved daughter of the late Kap Yong Chung and Ho Lee.

Chae met the love of her life, Joseph Arbogast, in Seoul, Korea, while he was serving in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. They were married in Korea in 1970. Showing immense devotion and bravery, Chae left her homeland and family behind to begin a new journey with Joseph, moving to his hometown of Miami, Florida, before settling in Etowah, North Carolina, in 1979. Together, Chae and Joseph built a home filled with devotion, warmth, and deep family roots over 56 years of marriage. Known for her vibrant kitchen, Chae became famous among family and friends for her unique Korean cooking fused with traditional Southern cuisine—a skill she lovingly learned from her mother-in-law. Anyone fortunate enough to dine at her table left with a full heart and an enduring love for her authentic Korean kimchi and barbecue.

Chae concluded her working career at Van Wingerden International in Mills River, NC. She found deep friendship and camaraderie among her fellow Korean colleagues, taking great pride in her work specializing in the cultivation of beautiful potted mums and holiday poinsettias.

Above all, Chae was a devoted wife, a fiercely loving mother, and a cherished “Halmoni” to her grandchildren. Her strength, warmth, and generous spirit will live on through the family she so deeply adored.

She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph Arbogast; her two sons, Keith Arbogast (Charisma) of Brevard, NC, and Joe Arbogast (Jennifer) of Apex, NC; and her four grandchildren, Jay Arbogast and Kell Arbogast of Brevard, NC, and Meghan Arbogast and Mason Arbogast of Apex, NC.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Moore- Blanchard Funerals & Cremations, located at 100 N. Country Club Rd., Brevard, NC 28712. Family and friends are invited to gather and pay their respects.

Moore-Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to serve the family.