CENTRAL ILLINOIS OBITUARIES
Brief History of a Life of Usefulness Which Was Suddenly Terminated by Death Early Last Week.
Christian D. Kappal, the subject of this sketch, and son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kappal, was born in Emden, Germany, Oct. 23, 1863, died at his residence in Meredosia, Ill., Jan. 17, 1916, aged 52 years, 2 months and 25 days.
With his family he came to America in 1870, locating near Minonk, Ill. Conditions not being satisfactory in their new location the family moved to Nebraska in 1878, locating near Diller, in Jefferson county, where Mr. Kappal grew to manhood.
He was united in marriage to Miss Effa Steinberg, at Chapin, October 01, 1891, and shortly afterward returned to Nebraska, to make their home and where their eldest daughter, Miss Tena, was born.
IN 1893 he, with his family, returned to Illinois, locating in Meredosia, where he continued to reside until his death, and where two daughters were born; Miss Hala, who is now the wife of Roy Burrus, and Dora, who is the wife of Wilbur Burrus of McKendree Chapel.
Shortly after coming to Illinois he, with his brother, Conrad, formed a partnership in the implement and vehicle business, which partnership continued through various business enterprises till the day of his death.
In 1903 the brothers disposed of their implement business, and in 1905 built the Kappal building on Main street, and organized the Kappal Bros. Co., consisting of C.D. Kappal, president; C.H. Kappal, J.A. Denham of Bloomington and G.M. Steinberg of this city. By close attention the firm has built up an enormous fur business, whose export sales of furs ran into the hundreds of thousands of dollard, and whose reputation for fair and liberal treatment of its customers is known and recognized all over the fur producing sections of the north and west.
Mr. Kappal also assisted in organizing the Farmers and Merchants Telephone Co., of this city, of which organization he was president until within a few days before his death, when he requested that on account of failing health he be relived from the duties of the office.
Mr. Kappal was a man intensely devoted to his family and his sole interest in life seemed to be to see them comfortably provided for, which he generously did.
He was a faithful, conscientious member of St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran church of this city, and was a member of the governing church council for fifteen years.
Fraternally, Mr. Kappal belonged to Meredosia Lodge No. 962 I.O.O.F., of which he was a charter member, Benovolent Lodge No. 52 A.F. & A.M. and Meredosia Chapter No. 11, R.A.M., and was also a beneficiary member of Camp No. 705 M.W.A.
In loosing Mr. Kappal, Meredosia has lost an honored, upright citizen, who will be hard to replace. In questions of business public office, he held decided views, and his advice was frequently sought on such matters. Of the strictest business integrity, he had no time or patience with the petty chicanery which frequently characterizes business transactions.
As a husband, a father, a business man and a fraternal brother, he will be sorely missed. He had his faults (and who has not?). But we can conscientiously say: "We consider him a man, a Christian and a Gentleman."
To the sorrowing family our hands are extended in heartfelt sympathy in this their hour of dark bereavement.
On account of quarantine regulations the funeral services were held at the family residence, conducted by Rev. P.A. Sorensen, his former pastor, who chose as his text Hebrew 4:9, "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God".
A quartet composed of Mrs. H.D. Berger, Mrs. L.H. Wegehoft, H.D. Berger and B.C. Heffner with Mrs. L.H. Yost at the piano, feelingly rendered the following selections: "Lead Kindly Light", "Asleep in Jesus" and "Savior, Thy Dying Love", which were his especial favorites.
The pall bearers were W.D. Meier, W.G. Burrus, H.R. Meyer, Wm. Schmitt, Clyde McAllister and T.W. Burdick.
Interment at the cemetery was in charge of the Masonic order, attended by a guard of honor from the I.O.O.F. Lodge.
The beautiful floral emblems were cared for by Misses Bertha Christianer, Hattie Hillig and Anna Willems.
Submitted by: Edith Fishel - no genealogical connection.
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