Kapfer, Donald "Don" (1936-2008)

KAPFER, FAUST, BERTRAND

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/27/2008 at 22:30:16

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, January 31, 2008

Donald "Don" Kapfer, 71, of Akron, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, Jan. 29, 2008 at his residence in Akron.

Donald Francis Kapfer was born Feb. 2, 1936, on the family farm in Plymouth County, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Dolly (Faust) Kapfer. He attended school and graduated from Akron High School. Following his graduation, he helped his father for a short time until he began his more than 50-year career in the banking business. He began working for the Akron Savings Bank, working his way up to vice president, trust officer, manager and director.

He was united in marriage to Vera Bertrand on Sept. 2, 1958, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Akron. Following his marriage, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, he returned to Akron and continued in banking.

In July of 1983, the Akron Savings Bank was sold and after 29 years in Akron, he was transferred to Iowa Prairie Bank in Brunsville, where he served as vice president. On Dec. 31, 2005, he retired after 51 years of banking. He continued to serve as a director.

Don was a longtime member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Akron where he had served as a church director. He was also involved with youth programs such as 4-H, FFA and bowling. He served on the Akron City Council, Akron Commercial Club, Akron Development Corporation, and the Akron Jaycees, holding offices in most of these organizations.

Don enjoyed playing golf, working crossword puzzles, traveling, and playing cards. But most of all, he loved the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Vera of Akron; his five children: Mark of Merrill, Terry of Wilkesboro, N.C., Cindy of Sioux City, David of Gardner, Kan., and Lisa Heinen and her husband Jay of Huron, S.D.; five grandchildren: Ryland and Kaitlyn Balcom, Samantha, Nicholas, and Zachary Heinen; a sister: Lois Blanchard of Watertown, S.D.; a brother-in-law: Jerry Bertrand of Akron; a sister-in-law: Mary Ann McGonigle of Kent, Wash.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers-in-law: Gary McGonigle and Bill Blanchard.

Per Don's wishes, private family memorial services will be held at Carlsen Funeral Home - Schroeder Chapel in Akron. The Rev. Roger Linnan of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hawarden will officiate. Burial with military rites will be at a later date in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Akron. There will be no visitation, the body will be cremated.