David P. Kaphingst

David Kaphingst, 55, of Freedom passed away unexpectedly in California on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. He was born on December 20, 1957 to Edward and Marion (Albert) Kaphingst. On November 10, 1979 he married Karen (Schuh) Kaphingst. He and Karen were blessed with many years together and three beautiful daughters, Nikki, Erin, and Amy, whom he loved dearly. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him.

Dave had a passion and talent for photography and made that his lifelong profession. Through this he was proud to create lasting memories for countless people. His work took him across the country, and he often boasted that he had traveled to 48 of the 50 states. More important to him were the many colleagues he was able to also call his friends.

In addition, Dave was very involved in the community. He was a member of the Freedom Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years, including most recently serving on their Board of Directors. Dave was also very involved in his church. As a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he was honored to serve the congregation on numerous boards over the years.

Dave was the type of guy who knew someone everywhere he went. He had a gift for making people laugh with his quirky sense of humor, even if he was the only one who thought it was funny. He enjoyed cooking, going out for Friday Night Fish, anything to do with computers, and most of all spending time with his family. He took us on many adventures throughout the years, whether on a family vacation across the country or just at home. No matter where we were, he handled being outnumbered by “his girls” well and wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Dave will be deeply missed by his wife of 33 years, Karen; three daughters and their husbands: Nikki (Mike) Vesperman of Evansville, Erin (Jude) Simons of Plover, and Amy (Pete) Fitschen of Champaign IL; his precious grandchildren: Evie and Miller Vesperman and Natalie Simons. He will also be missed by his siblings: Ken (Judy) Kaphingst, Karen (Earl) Monday, Keith (Karen) Kaphingst, and Kay (Greg) Scott; Karen's parents: Jerry and Bev Schuh; and Karen's siblings: Kathy (Marv) Spierings, Karol Peterson, Kevin Schuh, and Konnie Schuh; five godchildren; twenty-seven nieces and nephews and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Edward and Marion Kaphingst, brother-in-law and dear friend: Jim “Morgan” Peterson.

The Christian Funeral Service for Dave will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 804 Grignon Street in Kaukauna, with Rev. Karl Schultz and Rev. Timothy Wilkens officiating. Dave will be buried at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Kaukauna. Friends may call at the Fargo Funeral Home in Kaukauna on Monday, April 29 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, and again Tuesday morning at the church after 9:00 AM. A memorial fund in Dave's name has been established, and online condolences may be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Shawn and Debbie Erickson, Anna of Fox World Travel, and the thoughtful staff at O'Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA and Fargo Funeral Home in Kaukauna.

Most importantly, we would like to thank our family and friends for their outpouring of support during this difficult time.

Dave felt strongly about the value of organ donation and would want everyone to know that his loving family has given the gift of life to someone in need.