Marion Kappes

Marion Kappes, 84, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Sanford Fargo Hospice with her loving family by her side.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 20, 2024 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Father Craig Vasek presiding and Father Rick Lambert concelebrating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service on Friday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Thief River Falls.

Marion Joan Geray was born September 30, 1939, in Fosston, MN the daughter of John Michael and Angeline Louise (Paggen) Geray. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN. She attended country school and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1957. Following high school, Marion moved to the Twin Cities where she worked for a short time.

On May 21, 1960, Marion was united in marriage to Vernon Kappes at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu. To this union four children were born, Jean, Jacqueline, Jereold, and James. Marion was very proud to be home with her children while they were growing. In 1972, Marion and Vernon purchased 9 acres along Pennington Avenue in Thief River Falls, where they built their house and raised their family.

Marion worked at Discovery Place in Thief River Falls for many years and was also DigiKey’s first break room attendant. Her warm and friendly nature made her a beloved figure among the employees. She cherished her job and the many people she met and worked with.

Marion had a deep love for dancing, especially with her husband Vernon. They were beautiful dance partners,  waltzing their way to various local dance halls, including the Eagle’s Club on Friday nights. Music was a cherished part of their home and a significant part of their children’s upbringing.

After Vernon’s passing in 2002, Marion continued to live in the home they built. Despite facing many challenges, she was determined to maintain her home and took great pride in its upkeep. She not only created a warm and loving home, but Marion also proudly manicured and mowed that 3-acre yard to absolute perfection. She was wonderfully tough and kind-hearted at the same time.

In 2004, the family found a place at Island Lake where they would cherish time together in the sun, on the water in the boat with family and friends. Marion loved the lake and the summertime.  There was nothing better than sunshine on her shoulders, and spending time with her family at the lake. She also had a passion for shopping, always finding the best bargains and enjoying garage sales.

Marion had a special relationship with all her grandkids and great grandkids, whom she adored and loved fiercely.  She had a wonderful way of making them all feel special.  She never missed a birthday or holiday and took great care in decorating for each occasion, with Christmas being particularly special to her. She loved to have her house filled with her family.

A devoted fan to her beloved Minnesota sports teams, Marion always kept up to date on the latest news regarding the Minnesota Wild, the Vikings newest quarterback, the Twins record, or the score of the last Gophers Football game.  If a game was on, she was watching it.

She was a faithful, active member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. In her early years, Marion enjoyed volunteering for many of the church and school activities.

Survivors include her children, Jean (Darby) Barron, Jacqueline (Brian) Hunt, Jerry (Lisa Dahlgren) Kappes, and James Kappes; grandchildren, Justin (Becky Lindholm) Barron, Jared Barron, Danielle (Patrick) Dube, Jamie (Kyle) Goethe, Josh (Joni) Kappes, Tashia (Mike Moe) Nickaboine; great-grandchildren, Kaylea, Ariana, Bristol, Hunter, Walker, Jaden, Jude, Kaydence, Autumn, and Ellieanna; siblings, Marlys Johnson, Phyllis (Duane) Nelson, and Donnie (Kaye) Geray; many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and all of the Kappes family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; parents; brother-in-law, Jim Johnson; an infant sister; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law in the Kappes family.