Memorial services for John Francis Kapfer, 85, Lawrence, will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, with Chaplain Wilton Detweiler officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
Mr. Kapfer died Sunday, July 31, 2011, at his home.
He was born February 10, 1926 in Page City, Kansas, the son of George Lewis and Ruby Pauline Lowe Kapfer. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1943 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1949.
Mr. Kapfer served in the Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1945. He owned Kapfer Construction company for many years. He was employed by Lawrence Unified School District No. 497 as the director of maintenance and operations. He was a dedicated alum of Phi Gamma Delta at KU and a member of the Big Blue Sportsmen’s Club.
He married Johanne Marie Vaughn June 12, 1949 in St. Joseph, MO. She preceded him in death on May 11, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a son, John Francis Kapfer Jr., and a brother Charles W. Kapfer.
Survivors include a son, Mark Kapfer and wife Linda, Olathe; two daughters, Kelley Kapfer and partner Leslie Dumke, Guilford, Conn., and Kerry Kapfer, Lawrence; a brother, Ronnie C. Kapfer, Lawrence; three grandchildren, Mark II, Trey, and Madison; and three nieces, Jennifer Wyatt, Sarah Whittington, and Amy Blankenbiller; and caregiver Jana Snyder, Lawrence.
The family suggests memorials to Grace Hospice or the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory, 601 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
Kerry,
We are so sorry to hear about your daddy. We have so many fond memories of him at the volleyball matches. You could always see on his face how proud he was of you. God bless! The Bullock Family
Kerry, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember him well–he’ll be missed.
My sympathies to your whole family.
I am sorry to hear about Johnny. He was one of my mother’s (Mary Jo Kapfer Buenemann) first cousins on the Kapfer side. I met Johnny a few times many years ago and really liked him. He always reminded me of my grandfather (Joe Kapfer) I offer my sincere condolences to the Kapfer family.
Mark, Kelley, and Kerry
Sorry to hear about your father. I have such fond memories of all of you and your parents. All the times we would gather together and play out in the lot along 19th Street. My prayers are with you. Bruce
I am sorry for your loss Kerry. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Mark,Kelly and Kerry
Im so sorry for your Loss. My Love and Prayers go out to your family.
Bob
Thinking of you, Kerry, and your family in the loss of your Father. My sincere sympathy and prayers are with you.
Doc
Kerry,
So sorry to hear about your father. God bless you and your family.
Tennille (Duncan) Kress