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BORN
1925
DIED
2015
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Bruno Kwapis Obituary
Bruno W. Kwapis, DDS, M.S., 90, of Belleville, Ill., born July 9, 1925, in Niagara Falls, N.Y., died Sunday, August 30, 2015, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Belleville, Ill.
Dr. Kwapis was a devoted family man who adored his family, especially his grandchildren. He attended Marquette University School of Dentistry. He proudly served his country during the Korean War and was a recipient of the Meritorious Medal for his service. While stationed in Korea, Dr. Kwapis worked at the 121st Medical Evacuation Hospital from 1952 to 1953. He was a pioneer oral surgeon in the metro east area, practicing for more than 45 years. He was instrumental in founding S.I.U.E. School of Dental Medicine, and was a professor there for 25 years, as well as at St. Louis University Center for Dental Education. He volunteered on the U.S.S. Hope as a medical advisor, serving in Jamaica in the early 1070's. Dr. Kwapis was an avid reader and boating enthusiast, but his greatest moments were those spent with his loving wife of 65 years and his family.
Dr. Kwapis is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Mary, nee Pietroski, Kwapis; and his brothers and sisters.
Surviving are his loving wife, Marjorie, nee Wells, Kwapis; his two sons, Ken and Chris Kwapis and their wives, Marisa Silver and Lea Kwapis; his two daughters, Patty Davies and Cynthia Tobisch and their husbands Evan Davies and Andrew Tobisch; and his six adoring grandchildren, Byron and Christopher Davies, Henry and Oliver Kwapis, Madeline Tobisch and Corinne Kwapis.
Memories and expressions of condolences may be offered at: www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, Ill., or the charity of choice.
Visitation: Friends may call from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015, at Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, Ill
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2015, at the church. Private interment to follow.
LAKE VIEW FUNERAL HOME, Fairview Heights, Ill.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruno Kwapis
Bob Palmer
September 7, 2015
I to was a neighbor of the Kwapis' from along time ago. Mrs. Kwapis was my Cub Scout den mother in the mid to late 1960's. Sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Kwapis. Your family was the best. Say hello to Ken, though he may not remember me as he was a couple years older than me. May God bless you all.
Kathy Waller Feist
September 5, 2015
Cindy, my sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. You dad was a great man! I have so many fond memories of your family, in particular cruising with the Kwapis' on your Chinese "junk". May your dad rest in peace and I will keep you in my prayers.
Kathy Waller Feist
Carolyn Mers
September 4, 2015
On behalf of my late father, Claude Manring, I send my thoughts and prayers to your family. I can remember very well hearing my dad talk of Dr. Kwapis.
September 3, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the family of Dr Kwapis. We always enjoyed taking care of him. He will be missed.
The Staff of St Elizabeth's Cath Lab
Jeff & Michelle Jones
September 3, 2015
Chris, Lea & Corinne- We are sorry to hear about Bruno's passing. You and your family are in our prayers. We appreciate the kindness Bruno (and Marge) had shown to Alexis during our years at QP. - Jeff, Michelle, Alexis & Nicole
Fr. Carl Scherrer
September 3, 2015
Marge, Ken and Chris - Keeping you in prayer today. Regret I can't make the wake or Mass. I have fond and grateful memories of dinner in your home back in the late 1970's making plans for a week at your condo in Cancun. That was my very first winter vacation, and I've been taking one ever since. I will always treasure your kindness to me. May God be your comfort and strength in this time of loss.
Blessings,
Fr. Carl E. Scherrer
Susan Cox Holden
September 2, 2015
Marge and family, I am so sorry to hear of Bruno's passing. I know that he had been through a lot and am so happy that he is at peace and that he had such a long and happy life. It was indeed a life well lived. I enjoyed reading the remarks about all of his accomplishments. Having grown up in the same neighborhood, I knew him both as a family man and a dental surgeon, but never knew of his many awards and accomplishments. I am not a bit surprised. You have my sympathies, thoughts and prayers at this hard time. Susan
Barbara Mousel DDS
September 1, 2015
Kwapis Family, My sincere condolences. I only met Bruno and Marge once some years back when I delivered the American College of Dentists Lifetime Achievement Award. Such a warm loving human being! I will remember that day always. My deepest sympathy at your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Baker
September 1, 2015
Marge and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Dr. Kwapis was such a wonderful kind man. Praying for you all as you grieve and that you find peace knowing that he is now with our Lord in Heaven.
September 1, 2015
Chris, I'm sorry for your loss and offer our heartfelt condolences. Terry Patterson and family. Swansea.
Margot Brisbin
September 1, 2015
Marge, I am so sorry for your loss. From all I heard Bruno was a fine man. And I'll never forget your kindness to my parents and to me during their last months. Thank you so much. Margot Jackson Brisbin
Terry Schaefer
September 1, 2015
Marge and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Bruno's death, he was a caring and gracious man, possessing numerous skills, inclusive of a kind heart and a sharp mind. Bruno's medical skills were paired with his business acumen, which he refined to the benefit of his family and all who were associated with him.
We are privileged to be acquaintances of your wonderful family and will always carry the deepest respect and appreciation for Bruno.
Please accept our sincere condolences and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Vicky & Terry Schaefer
John McAteer
September 1, 2015
Mrs. Kwapis, on behalf of my sister, Marilyn Johnston, my sincere condolences to you and the Family.
September 1, 2015
Dr. Kwapis was a wonderful & caring employer-how Blessed I am to have worked with such a wonderful man-Dr. Kwapis will be missed by so many !! Mrs. Kwapis and family Richard & I will be keeping all of you in our Prayers and thoughts during your difficult time - God Bless - Richard & Judy Monte
Joanne Kurtz
September 1, 2015
I was an early patient of Dr Kwapis. He was still on State Street in E.St Louis when I first went to him. My great aunt went to him and he told her her name was Greek not German. We all went to him at one time or the other. Great man as well as a great dentist.
September 1, 2015
Dear Family, Brune was one of the nicest and kindest man I have ever known I always thought he set the standard for a gracious person. Our deepest sympathy. Dick and Lucille McGovern. Miramar Beach, Fl.
Mike and Sheree Williams
September 1, 2015
We have been next door neighbors to Bruno and Marge Kwapis for 2.5 years. Both of them are wonderful people and they welcomed us when we moved in with open arms. I (Mike) will miss my talks with Bruno out on his deck or sitting on the concrete bench in his yard. Our sincere condolences to Marge and the rest of the Kwapis family. Rest in peace with God Bruno.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens5000 North Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
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