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Donald Kappes
DONALD KAPPES
Cedar Rapids
Donald Howard Kappes ("Don") passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2022, with his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara Kappes (née Buenneke) at his side.
Don leaves behind a brother, Tom (Jan) Kappes of Ainsworth, Iowa; and two sons, Christopher (Paula) Kappes of Chicago, Ill., Kurt (Janet) Kappes of Davis, Calif. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Derek (Allie) Kappes, Kadre (Larry) Pershing, Emily Kappes and Jason Kappes.
Don was born on Sept. 17, 1932, in Oelwein, Iowa. His parents were Charles Howard and Viola Kappes. Don was a musician and an athlete, excelling in tennis. Following high school graduation, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. While serving, he visited several places in Europe, received various commendations, and had been promoted to corporal prior to his discharge.
Returning to the United States, Don married Barb in July, 1955. He then attended Iowa State Teachers' College, graduating in three years. He subsequently attended the University of Wisconsin, where he was awarded a Masters of Science Degree in Education.
Don spent several years working in the area of vocational rehabilitation. He was the Director of Rehabilitation for the State of Delaware, and also the President of DSI in Columbus, Ind. He changed careers following some health issues, including working in the hospitality industry.
Don was a sincere, caring, devoted husband and father. He easily made friends and was a wonderful listener and counselor. He had many hobbies over the years, including woodworking, fishing, reading, investing and being a Sun Dancer volunteer for 10 years at the MLB Spring Training facility in Surprise, Ariz. We will miss his smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and his gentle touch.
A celebration of his life will be held on March 7 at 10 a.m. at Surprise Funeral Care at 16063 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, AZ 85374.
The family asks that anyone wishing to honor Don's memory to please donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. https://www.michaeljfox.org/.
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