Kenneth Kapplinger

Kenneth G. Kapplinger, age 95 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the MidMichigan Medical Center of Midland. On September 12, 1925, Ken was born the son of William and Charlotte (Northon) Kapplinger at their family home in Grant Township near Five Lakes. He was united in marriage to Vernetta Pudvay on May 16, 1947 in Clare County. They enjoyed 68 ½ years of marriage until her death on November 22, 2015. Ken was a proud graduate of the Clare High School Class of 1941 and a lifelong resident of Clare. Ken’s entire working career was spent in the tool and die trade. He was proudly one of Holley Carburetor’s early hires, and remained an employee until the plant closure. He then worked at Evart Products until his retirement. As prideful as Ken was about his work in the trades, he enjoyed his farming and raising Herford cattle. Other than farming, his interest included deer hunting, snowmobiling and a passion for woodworking. Upon his retirement, he and Vernetta spent time traveling the United States and abroad. They enjoyed many hours at their home on Five Lakes with family and friends. Ken is survived by his children Debbie Kapplinger of Stephenson, MI. and Karl (Cindy) Kapplinger of Midland and his grandchildren Karla (Carlos) Sola, Wade Kapplinger, Joe (Lauren) Naboychik, Susan (Rich) Crooks, and John (Crys) Naboychik. He was especially proud of the recent arrival of his first great-grandson Santiago Sola. Other survivors include many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Vernetta, his parents William and Charlotte Kapplinger, and his siblings Frances Warner, Charles, Jarvis, and Morris Kapplinger, and Ethel Tunsen. Friends may visit with the Kapplinger family on Wednesday the 21st at the Clare Chapel of the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. On Thursday the 22nd a 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. visitation and a 2:00 P.M. Service will all be held at the gravesite at Cherry Grove Cemetery in Clare. Current Covid-19 guidelines will be in place. Memorial contributions in honor of Ken may be directed toward the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund. For those unable to attend, services will be live-streamed on the Stephenson-Wyman Facebook Page and online condolences may be shared at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Kenneth Kapplinger

September 12, 1925 - April 17, 2021