Doris Rose Kaps

Doris Rose (Knudtson) Kaps
Doris Rose Kaps peacefully entered the gates of Heaven on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at the age of 96. Her remarkable life was one of unwavering love and dedication to her family and friends, strength and perseverance through trials and tribulations, and a devoted faith in Jesus Christ.
Doris's early life was marked by resilience. Born February 15, 1928 in Joliet, IL, she was the second oldest of four sisters and one brother. Her mother passed away when she was just 8 years old, and she temporarily lived at the Guardian Angel Home under the care of the Sisters of St. Francis. Despite these challenges, she flourished and graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1946 and went on to cosmetology school, setting the stage for a life filled with purpose and service. In 1948, Doris married Edward C. Kaps. Together, they built a loving partnership that spanned 42 years and welcomed two children, Jack and Patti. Doris was a devoted mother and homemaker extraordinaire who made every house a home with her warmth and care. Doris was a great cook and was known for her broccoli casserole. Doris also worked outside the home, retiring from the kitchen staff at Hufford Junior High. She was a licensed cosmetologist, a loyal friend to many, and a dedicated member of the "R" Club women's group.
A lifelong resident of Joliet until 2018, Doris relocated to Church Creek Senior Living in Arlington Heights for her final years. Her heart for others defined her life. Doris volunteered for many years at Morning Star Mission, offering her time and love to those in need. She was also a dedicated member and volunteer at St. Ambrose Church in Crest Hill and volunteered for St. Joe's Little League. Her faith and service were central to her remarkable legacy.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Church Creek. Your unwavering dedication, kindness, and gentle care provided comfort and dignity to Doris as she transitioned to senior living. Your support made an immeasurable difference in her life and in the lives of those who loved her.
Doris leaves behind a family that loved her deeply, including her sister, Joan (Ray) Middaugh; her son, Jack (Carlene) Kaps; her daughter, Patti (Kerry) Bahnick; her grandchildren, Rebecca (Tom) Dewbray, Sarah (Rick) Parenti, Randi (Tyler) Johnson, Doug (Ashley) Bahnick, Kyle (Haylee) Bahnick, and Jonathan (Jill) Bahnick; great-grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, & Nora Dewbray, Genevieve & Luca Parenti, Reid & Chase Johnson, Rowan, Ethan, Evelyn, Sloan, Briggs, Boden, Joshua, Gracelyn, & Olivia Bahnick; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is joined in heaven by her parents, John and Angela (Likovic) Knudtson; her stepmother, Grace Knudtson; her sisters, Annabelle (John-Whitey) Freberg and Phyllis (John) Keca; her brother, Jackie Knudtson; and the father of her children, Edward Kaps.
A Celebration of Life and Love will begin with a visitation on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd, Joliet, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A procession will depart at 11 a.m. for a Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, 1705 Burry Circle, Crest Hill. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 1500 North Raynor Ave, Joliet. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Morning Star Mission. You can give a donation on Doris' behalf at give.morningstarmission.org.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.