In Memory of
Donald "Hezzy" Kappus
By Ernie Loga
On December 13, 2006 we lost a founding member of the Badger Wheels Studebaker Drivers Club, a good Studebaker collector and friend. Those who knew Donald ?Hezzy? Kappus will remember him as a man who always had a smile. He always saw things from the lighter side. He was kind, energetic, opinionated, stubborn, stalwart, and just plain likable. His humor and wit was unequaled. If you only met Hezzy once in your lifetime you would remember him for ever. Whether you liked him or not you have to agree that Hezzy was one colorful unique individual.
Hezzy grew up with Studebakers. His father, John Fred Kappus owned the Eau Claire Motor Company for a number of years where he sold Studebaker cars and trucks. Hezzy has been an active member of many old car clubs for many years. Hezzy is the one who named of our newsletter, The Badger Bullet-N. He was instrumental in helping us put together our very first car show and contributed for many years by displaying several Studebakers.
Hezzy lived life to the fullest. Whatever he did, he did it with gusto and with all he had. When most people die they simply roll over and put out the lights. Not Hezzy. Hezzy came screeching into the grave sideways and proclaiming, ?Man, What a ride!? When God made Hezzy He broke the mold. Hezzy, we miss you. You will always be remembered for driving your old Studebakers across this great country and back with your old beat-up tuba sitting in the backseat ready to umpapa a tune. Hezzy, rest in peace!
Donald "Hezzy" F. Kappus, age 83, of Altoona died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minn.
Donald was born on Oct. 22, 1923, in Eau Claire to the late John and Faith (Dillon) Kappus. After graduation from Eau Claire High School with the class of 1941, he proudly served in the Navy during World War II. Donald and Mildred Johnson were married in November of 1944 and were blessed with four children; they later divorced. After a long and happy friendship, he married Ruth Steinberg on June 24, 1995, in Eau Claire. During their time together, they traveled the world. Hezzy was a member of the Badger Wheels Studebaker Club, Chippewa Valley Model A Club, Indianhead Antique Car Club, National Antique Studebaker Club, Tri-County Cruisers, VFW Post 305, American Legion #53, Eagles Club and the Moose Lodge. Hezzy loved music and was very active in the Owen Withee Polka Mass Choir and was a member of the Eau Claire City Band for more than 50 years. Hezzy will be remembered for his love of life, sense of humor and always being ready for the next adventure. He will be greatly missed
Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Ruth and his children DellAnn (Robert) Sathe of Cincinnati, Ohio, David (Virginia) Kappus of Eau Claire, Susan (Randall) Zila of Loveland, Colo., Sally Kappus of Thorp, Phoebe (Billy) Meyers of Delafield, Wis., Patricia (Dennis) Steinberg-Dawson of Fall Creek, James (Suzanne) Steinberg of Eau Claire and Mary (James) Lokrantz of Blaine, Minn.; 22 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; brother, John F. (Debbie) Kappus III of Eau Claire; sister, Sandy (Don) Julian of St. Louis, Mo.; sister-in-law, Grace Curtis of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Arthur (Marian) Perkins of Merrill, Wis.; nieces, nephews and many friends.
Donald "Hezzy" Kappus
By Ernie Loga
On December 13, 2006 we lost a founding member of the Badger Wheels Studebaker Drivers Club, a good Studebaker collector and friend. Those who knew Donald ?Hezzy? Kappus will remember him as a man who always had a smile. He always saw things from the lighter side. He was kind, energetic, opinionated, stubborn, stalwart, and just plain likable. His humor and wit was unequaled. If you only met Hezzy once in your lifetime you would remember him for ever. Whether you liked him or not you have to agree that Hezzy was one colorful unique individual.
Hezzy grew up with Studebakers. His father, John Fred Kappus owned the Eau Claire Motor Company for a number of years where he sold Studebaker cars and trucks. Hezzy has been an active member of many old car clubs for many years. Hezzy is the one who named of our newsletter, The Badger Bullet-N. He was instrumental in helping us put together our very first car show and contributed for many years by displaying several Studebakers.
Hezzy lived life to the fullest. Whatever he did, he did it with gusto and with all he had. When most people die they simply roll over and put out the lights. Not Hezzy. Hezzy came screeching into the grave sideways and proclaiming, ?Man, What a ride!? When God made Hezzy He broke the mold. Hezzy, we miss you. You will always be remembered for driving your old Studebakers across this great country and back with your old beat-up tuba sitting in the backseat ready to umpapa a tune. Hezzy, rest in peace!
Donald "Hezzy" F. Kappus, age 83, of Altoona died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minn.
Donald was born on Oct. 22, 1923, in Eau Claire to the late John and Faith (Dillon) Kappus. After graduation from Eau Claire High School with the class of 1941, he proudly served in the Navy during World War II. Donald and Mildred Johnson were married in November of 1944 and were blessed with four children; they later divorced. After a long and happy friendship, he married Ruth Steinberg on June 24, 1995, in Eau Claire. During their time together, they traveled the world. Hezzy was a member of the Badger Wheels Studebaker Club, Chippewa Valley Model A Club, Indianhead Antique Car Club, National Antique Studebaker Club, Tri-County Cruisers, VFW Post 305, American Legion #53, Eagles Club and the Moose Lodge. Hezzy loved music and was very active in the Owen Withee Polka Mass Choir and was a member of the Eau Claire City Band for more than 50 years. Hezzy will be remembered for his love of life, sense of humor and always being ready for the next adventure. He will be greatly missed
Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Ruth and his children DellAnn (Robert) Sathe of Cincinnati, Ohio, David (Virginia) Kappus of Eau Claire, Susan (Randall) Zila of Loveland, Colo., Sally Kappus of Thorp, Phoebe (Billy) Meyers of Delafield, Wis., Patricia (Dennis) Steinberg-Dawson of Fall Creek, James (Suzanne) Steinberg of Eau Claire and Mary (James) Lokrantz of Blaine, Minn.; 22 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren; brother, John F. (Debbie) Kappus III of Eau Claire; sister, Sandy (Don) Julian of St. Louis, Mo.; sister-in-law, Grace Curtis of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Arthur (Marian) Perkins of Merrill, Wis.; nieces, nephews and many friends.