F. Donald Kapps MD

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous 5 month battle with Lymphoma. He was 78. From his earliest beginnings, he had an unquenchable thirst for life and all the variety it had to offer. A state HS championship football player, he accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Nebraska. After a knee injury ended his football career, he transferred to Creighton University where he earned bachelor and medical degrees. His anchor, light, joy and loving companion through his journey was his wife of 53 years, Nancy. From their very first days dating on Creighton's campus to their early years of tight budgets and long hours working, he as Chief pathology resident, she as a pharmacist, in the midst of race-riots in 1960's Detroit, their bond and commitment was palpable. Parenthood was another responsibility they greeted with enthusiasm when their daughter Christine arrived just a year into their marriage. Their son, Michael, arrived several years later and a very special family was created. Don settled in St. Paul, MN after his service as Chief of Pathology at Offutt Air Force Base Hospital during the Vietnam War. He immersed himself in the challenges of his career entering the practice of pathology at St. Paul Ramsey Hospital. Subsequently, he joined Hospital Pathology Associates (HPA) where his practice included Mercy, Unity, United (St. Paul) and Abbott NW Hospitals. He served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Pathology at Mercy, Chief of Pathology at United, and President of the MN Society of Pathologists as well as President of his HPA group. He served as a delegate for many years to the national College of American Pathology (CAP). He retired in 2008. Beyond professional accomplishment, Don engaged in many pastimes. He was nothing if not musically inclined. His trumpet serenades at veteran funerals and hours at the piano keyboard brought him peace and relaxation. He studied and devoured the great Operas and became a devoted patron of the Symphonic arts. When his interests wandered, as they frequently did, he didn't merely adopt new hobbies, he cultivated passions. He studied, practiced, reviewed and mastered them. From sailing, to hunting and Sporting Clay target shooting and competition, his curious mind never stopped working, learning, challenging or questioning. He was a voracious reader and was never without a book or two in hand. His sporting interests also included skiing and golf. At his very core, Don was a people person. He was the undisputed heart, soul and spark of energy for his circle of family, friends and colleagues. He genuinely cared for the individuals in his life, from the techs he supervised in the lab, to his colleagues at "the round table" to his children, siblings, parents or his dearly beloved Nancy. His spirited reparté, biting humor, insight, searing commentary and no BS demeanor was as sincere as it was endearing. You always got the "straight story" from Don and if you disagreed he was happy to explain why/how you were misinformed. Laughter and good times were always guaranteed when he was around. Travel was another one of Don's delights. Hilton Head, SC was a beloved second home and the site of many cherished memories with friends, his children and eventually grandchildren. In his later years, Don took on one of his most cherished roles as grandfather, "Papa" to his 5 grandchildren. From walks and ice cream on the Hilton Head beaches, to golf lessons and green eggs and ham...the memories will endure. Those who were blessed to call Don our father, husband, brother, uncle and friend will never forget or replace him. God Bless this wonderful man. He is survived by his wife Nancy, his two children Christine (Steven) Oaks, Michael (Victoria) FritzKapps, 5 grandchildren: Abigail, Madeleine and William Oaks, Emma and Michael FritzKapps, sister Joan (John) Fangman and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Sally and his sister Marilyn Peterson. Visitation from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, July 15 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM-PURCELL, 515 Highway 96 at Mackubin, Shoreview. Mass of the Christian Burial, Saturday, July 16, 10:30 am at ST. ODILIA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 3495 Victoria Street N., Shoreview with visitation at 9:30 am. Private interment. Lunch following the service at the North Oaks Country Club, 54 East Oaks Road, North Oaks.

Tributes

F. Donald Kapps MD

February 18, 1938 - July 6, 2016

Tributes

F. Donald Kapps MD

February 18, 1938 - July 6, 2016

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