Ralph R. Kappler
|
Ralph Rudolph Kappler was born Dec. 25, 1917 to John and Maud (Manning) Kappler of Mulino, Ore. He graduated from Molalla High School in 1935 and went into the Civilian Conservation Corps, after which he attended business school. His long career in the lumber business then began as Kappler Lumber Company was launched. Ralph also had a passion for flying and built the Mulino Airport; he was president of the Columbia Aviation Country Club in 1951. Boating was another one of his favorite activities. Ralph passed away on Nov. 12, 2011. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Barry Blacklaw of Mulino; son and daughter-in-law, Dorian and Teresa Kappler of Milwaukie; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Joe Panza of Gresham; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Trena; brother, Gilbert (Kip) and three sisters, Alice, Marguerite and Laura. A memorial service was held Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 at Molalla Funeral Chapel, 220 E. Main St., Molalla. A graveside service immediately followed at the Carus Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life reception at Arrowhead Golf Club. (Published in the Molalla Pioneer, 11/23/2011) --------------------------------------------------------------- date of birth December 25 1917 date of death November 12 2011 Ralph Rudolph Kappler was born December 25, 1917 to John and Maude (Manning) Kappler of Mulino, Oregon. Mulino would end up being his home for the next 93 years. Ralph had a paper route when he was kid and anyone who knew him heard those stories quite often. Working alongside his uncle Walt Waldorf at the blacksmith shop was another highlight of Ralph's childhood, that and fishing behind the old flour mill in Milk Creek. He graduated from Molalla H.S. in 1935 and went into the Civilian Conservation Corps after which he attended business school. He married Helen Wachlin on May 29, 1941 in Portland, Oregon. His long career in the lumber business then began as Kappler Lumber Co. was launched in Colton Oregon. Shortly after that he built the Liberal mill and then opened a mill in Santa Rosa, CA. Ralph also had a passion for flying and built the Mulino Airport, a project he was extremely proud of. He was one of the founding pioneers of the Columbia Aviation Country Club and was elected their President in 1951. In 1958 daughter Denise came along and then in 1960 son Dorian was born. His children were the light of his life and he was an amazing father. In 1968 Ralph married his second wife, Trena Hockema and they enjoyed many years together. Lake Havasu Arizona was one of their favorite destinations and they spent lots of winters there in the sun. They also did some traveling abroad and 2 of their favorite trips were to Australia, and the South China Sea. Boating was another one of his favorite activities and friends and family alike have many fond memories of trips on Gannet 1, Gannet 2 and Gannet 3. If Ralph wasn't flying airplanes or piloting boats he was more than likely driving his motorhome, another past time he very much enjoyed. Ralph passed away on Nov. 12, 2011 from complications of Alzheimer's. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Denise & Barry Blacklaw of Mulino; son and daughter-in-law Dorian & Teresa Kappler or Milwaukie; daughter and son-in-law Linda & Joe Panza of Gresham; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Trena, brother Gilbert (Kip) and 3 sisters: Alice, Marguerite & Laura. The family would like to invite all of you to the grave side service immediately following this service and then a celebration of life reception at Arrowhead Golf Course at 1:00 p.m. Family is encouraged to provide an obituary or information that allows for an obituary to be written by our staff Reprinted from
|