Frederick Charles Kappus

1943 - 2017

Frederick Charles Kappus, 73, died peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2017.

Although he fought a fourteen-year battle with lymphoma, Fred never let it discourage him from helping the struggling mom at Costco load her groceries, cut the lawn on a hot humid day, and make the ninety-minute drive each way every Thursday afternoon to Skeet shoot at the Fairfax Rod & Gun Club. Fred's many friends will remember his laughter and smile which quickly became contagious in his presence. Yet, his pragmatic approach and counsel will be missed by those who often sought his ear and somehow when he said it, everything made sense or was going to be just fine.

Fred was born in Omaha, Neb. on July 20, 1943, moving to Kenosha in 1945 after his father returned from World War II. Fred spent the next sixteen years of his life in Kenosha attending St. Marks School and St. Joseph High School. Fred loved the outdoors as a boy hunting and fishing at every opportunity; although at thirteen years old, he and two of his friends had to be rescued by the Coast Guard after their raft went adrift on Lake Michigan several miles from the shoreline. Fred did not take the raft with him when he attended college at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. where he earned his Bachelor Degree in Business Administration in 1965. This same year he married Patricia La Macchia and they resided in Kenosha. Fred worked at Sears Roebuck & Company as a Department Manager for four years before taking a position with Snap-on Tools in May 1969 where he would spend the next forty-two years. In 1979, Fred relocated to Fairfax County, Virginia to develop the Government segment for Snap-on Tools. Fred's knowledge, dedication, and vision of the government business led to tremendous sales growth for the Industrial Division during his tenure. Fred's retirement in 2011 did not slow him down as he became vice-president of the Fairfax Rod & Gun Club, already a member for over thirty-years, where he enjoyed working with the club's president to enhance the membership experience. As well, Fred created the Helping Hands Program at the club which he took tremendous pride in to help widows and families to auction firearms left behind.

On June 16, 1984, Fred married Melissa Ree who resides in King George, Va., today.

Surviving are his wife; two sons and a daughter, Jeffrey Kappus of Henderson, Nev., Paul Kappus of Henderson, Nev., Kristine Whitmore (Brooks) of Henderson, Nev.; two stepsons, Brent Ingebretsen (Kim) of Richmond, Va., Mark Ingebretsen of King George, Va.; and four grandchildren.

In addition, Fred is survived by three brothers, Ronald Kappus of Pleasanton, Calif., Donald Kappus of Jackson, Miss., and Jack Bishop of Orlando, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Harold and Ruth Kappus; and a sister, Judith Bradley.

A celebration of life and dedication ceremony will be held at the Fairfax Rod & Gun Club on June 4, 2017.