MARK ANTHONY KAPPEN
51, of Marlette, died following a courageous battle with brain cancer Thursday, March 19, 2020 in United Hospice of Marlette Residence Center. He was born June 11, 1968 in Lapeer, the fifth of eleven children born to Gerald and Catherine (Beckett) Kappen. He married Tamara Lynn Kady on July 29, 1989 in St. Agatha Catholic Church, Gagetown.
Mark graduated from Cass City High School with the class of 1987. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1992. He worked as a Design Supervisor with ZF Automotive in Washington Township. Mark loved his job and work family. Mark enjoyed running, backpacking, hiking, camping, traveling with his family and competing in triathlons. Coaching his sons, nephews and many area youths in baseball, soccer and wrestling brought Mark great pride and fulfillment. Mark enjoyed golfing with his father-in-law and was a dedicated Michigan Wolverine fan. Mark valued his faith and was proud to be an active member of the Holy Family Parish in Marlette. Marks greatest joy in life was spending quality time with his sons and beloved wife and best friend Tamara.
Mark is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Tamara; sons: Anthony (Amanda Aldapa) Kappen of Charlotte, Jacob Kappen of Marlette; parents, Gerald and Catherine Kappen of Defiance, OH; siblings: Susie (Jim) Maynard of Howell, Joe (Michelle) Kappen of Dowling, Mary (Wayne) Shantz of Cass City, Tim (Ren) Kappen of Billerica, MA, Alice (Steve) Zaleski of Gagetown, William Kappen of Alabaster, AL, Peter (Tammy) Kappen, Defiance, OH, Tammie (Tim) Rettig of Bryan, OH, Matthew (Lori) Kappen of Carlisle, PA, Michael (Tana) Kappen of Defiance, OH; father and mother-in-law, Ronald and Joann Kady of Gagetown; brother-in-law, Shane (Sarah) Kady of Marlette; sister-in-law, Sara (Robert Herek) Kady of Gagetown; and many nieces and nephews.
A private funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at Our Lady Consolata Parish, St. Agatha Catholic Church in Gagetown with Rev. Robert Schikora officiating. Pallbearers for Mr. Kappen will be Zachary Kady, Blake Kady, Nicholas Shantz, Nathan Shantz, Jacob Shantz, Alexander Zaleski, Justin Zaleski, Noah Zaleski. Interment will be in St. Agatha Cemetery, Gagetown. Memorials may be made to MASAP Youth Baseball, Marlette Youth Soccer or Holy Family Parish St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and photos with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. A private Vigil service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. led by Rev. Robert Schikora.
**Due to an executive order by the state government the visitation and funeral service is limited to no more than 50 people**
Visitation: 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2020 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City
Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home
Cass City, Michigan
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