Ronald E. Kappes, age 78 of Stockton, IL, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at the Stockton Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. Ron was born June 20, 1933, the son of the late Lawrence and Opal (Smidt) Kappes. He was a 1952 Graduate of Stockton High School. He married Kay Weinkauf on April 29, 1962 in Cresco, IA.
Ron was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church of Schapville, IL. He was a retired Fireman of the Stockton and Apple Canyon Lake fire departments. He served on the JoCarroll Electric Board of Directors, Former Lions Club, Stockton VFW, and the Stockton American Legion. He and his brother Bob owned and operated Kappes Standard Service and wrecker service and was a Bolens Lawn and Garden Dealer. Ron also worked for Gene Hess and the Savanna Army Depot. He enjoyed woodworking and made many Christmas gifts out of wood for his family. Ron also enjoyed boating and fishing and water skiing on the Mississippi River and Apple Canyon Lake, and snowmobiling with his boys. After retiring, he plowed snow and helped his sons at B&B Hillside Repair.
Ron is survived by his wife Kay; sons Brock (Angie) and Brent (Lisa) Kappes, both of Stockton; three grandchildren, Whitney and Ryder Kappes, and Sidney Kuehl; brother Robert Kappes of Stockton; and three sisters, Kay (Dale) Clark of Pecatonica, IL, Nancy Rice of Stockton, and Mary Cook of Dubuque, IA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, sister-in-law Vernetta Kappes, and brother-in-law Norman Rice.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 28, 2012 at Shepherd of the Hills Church at 11:00 AM. A one hour visitation will begin before the service at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will be held following the service at the church. A memorial fund has been established.