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Walter J. Kappel, age 93, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 4, 2008. Walter died of kidney failure at the Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Friendship.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at the Roseberry's Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Pastor Richard Church, Walter�s Grandson, will officiate. Interment will be at the Mt. Repose Cemetery, Friendship, Wisconsin. Military rites will be offered at the graveside service by the Adams VFW Post #6279; the Adams American Legion Red Cloud Post #250; and the Grand Marsh American Legion Snyder-Richardson Post #273.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday at Roseberry's Funeral Home and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Walter was born May 24, 1914 in Chicago, Illinois to Johann and Elisabeth (Karner) Kappel. He attended schools in Chicago; the Moundview School in the town of Preston and Tilden Technical High School, Chicago. Walter joined Civilian Conservation Corps in April of 1935 serving one year at Long Lake, Wisconsin.

Walter was drafted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in April of 1942, serving in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. He earned the following medals and commendations: Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Medal with two Battle Stars, American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal, and, most proudly, a commendation from General Hap Arnold for 30 days detached service. Walter attended Las Vegas Army Gunnery School, Phase Training in B-24 Heavy Bombers, and flew 50 missions as Flight Engineer Gunner. He graduated 3rd in his class from Instructors Indoctrination Unit in Galveston, Texas and was assigned to Pueblo Air Force Base as an instructor, qualified in B-24 and B-17 aircraft. He also flew test flights at Wright Patterson Field. Walter was honorably discharged October 7, 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. Walter was a life member of VFW Post #6279 and American Legion Post #250, serving as Adjutant for 27 years.

He married Barbara Adella Hollman on April 15, 1944 in Galveston, TX. Following WWII, they made their home in Chicago, IL until 1953 when they moved to Friendship, where Walter and Barbara built their own home. They also planted 5000 trees in 1953 on their property, much of which is now a State Natural Area. Walter was a true patriot, naturalist, woodsman, beekeeper and avid gardener. He was a regular contributor to Letters to the Editor and the Looking Back column of the Times-Reporter.

Walter worked for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, in Chicago, as a brakeman and conductor for 30 years, retiring in 1976. He was a member of the Chicago & Northwestern Retirees Club.

Memorials may be directed to the VFW or the American Legion�s scholarship program.

Walter was preceded in death by: His wife Barbara; his parents, his Brother Adolph Kappel; granddaughter, Vicky (Koehler) Moore and a great-granddaughter Lydia Elise Hachtel.

Survivors:

Daughter: Barbara Jean (Robert) Meyers of East Wenatchee, Washington

Daughter: Elisabeth Anne Kappel of Hartford, Wisconsin

Daughter: Joan Frances Leinweber of Friendship, Wisconsin

Daughter: Karen Kay (Charles) Church of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin

Step-Daughter: Dorothy Ann Bates of Plainfield, Wisconsin

Step-Son: Richard Erich (Lucille) Koehler of Plainfield, Wisconsin

21 grandchildren, and many great and great-great grandchildren

Further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Roseberry's Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.

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Roseberry's Funeral Home & Crematory

512 Main St. (PO Box 620)

Friendship, WI 53934  

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Phone 608-339-3551

Fax 608-237-2233

Email us fd@roseberrys.com