William Thomas Kapeller

SANDS TOWNSHIP, MI William Thomas Kapeller, age 84, of Sands Township, departed this world on August 17, 2022, to be rejoined and play cards with his wife of 56 years, Joan, who preceded him in death in 2016.
Bill was born March 24, 1938, in Iron Mountain, Michigan, a son of William Thomas and Rosebud (Bissig) Johns, and grew up there until his early teens. Following a divorce, his mother married her second husband, Nathan Kapeller, and the family moved to Dearborn. Nathan later adopted Bill. Bill graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 1957, where he participated in running track. Following high school, Bill joined the US Air Force, serving from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1964. While stationed at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, he met the former Joan Jo Rasmussen and they were united in marriage on September 15, 1959. For the next seven years, until his honorable discharge, Bill was stationed at various duty assignments, including overseas, while Joan remained at home. For a time they resided in Antigo, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee before moving to the Upper Peninsula in 1967. In 1972, they purchased land in Sands Township where they settled. Over the years the couple raised two beautiful daughters who were the loves of their lives.
The family enjoyed traveling every summer, camping, creating memorable fishing excursions with the girls, and several trips to Alaska. Together, Jo and Bill operated B and J s Clock Repair and Upholstery out of their home for several years, and both enjoyed extensive travel across England, Canada, the US, and Alaska, visiting almost all 50 states, spending their 50th anniversary on Prince Edward Island. Bill and Jo simply enjoyed making family memories.
Bill was employed for many years as a heavy equipment mechanic for UPPCO, retiring in 2001 with 24 years of service. Bill s retirement gift to himself was a hunting trip to Hudson Bay, where he hunted caribou with his friend, Terry. Following retirement, Bill enjoyed keeping busy and volunteered with Sands Township. For many years, Bill was a volunteer fireman with the Sands Township Fire Department at Station 1, serving as the Chief from 1991 until 2003, filling in as Interim Chief at times thereafter. He was named Fireman of the Year in 2008, and was also honored as the longest serving Volunteer Fire Chief in the State in 2015. Bill s hobbies and interests included collecting coins and watch fobs, deer hunting, fishing, visiting auctions and junk stores, and anything to do with antiques. He was also a beekeeper and grew orchids. Bill was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Marie (Andy) Ward and Heather (Jon Wisniewski) Kapeller-Wisniewski; grandchildren, Brandon (Rachel) Ward of Knoxville, TN, Elyse (Kevin) Hawkins of Neenah, WI; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Ruth Mattson, Pat Francis, Everett Shaw, Terry Wald, and Tom Gardyko. In addition to his biological parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; a sister, Margaret Bruette; and adoptive father, Nathan Kapeller.
Friends may call at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Wednesday, August 24 from 11:00 am until 12 noon. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow at the Sands Township Hall at 1:30 pm. Private interment will be made in the Sands Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sands Township Fire Department, 987 State Highway M553, Gwinn, MI 49841.
May the fish always be biting and a 15-point whitetail buck always be in your sights, Dad.
Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com