Michael Kapper Obituary

Michael Kapper

January 22, 1953 - July 2, 2025

Michael David Kapper (Dad) sprinted into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. His last breath was a sigh of relief as his spirit was made unburdened by his flesh. His passing was peaceful and beautiful, and he was surrounded by his children. Dad was born in Decatur, Illinois, and his passing was preceded by his parents Bud and Lorraine Kapper, sister Sharon Grossman, and brother-in-law Don Rogers.

Dad was saved at a Hillside Bethel Revival on April 23, 1975. He was led to the Lord by Pastor Donald Horath, who would become his best friend and mentor. Dad was a member of Hillside Bethel Ministries for 50 years. He was an active member of the church and served in many roles there. Dad considered Hillside to be his second family. Exactly one day after celebrating his 50-year anniversary of being a faithful Christian, Dad was told that he would be going Home.

Dad proudly raised four wonderful and smart children (he told us to say that) - Libby and Cody Weber, Lindsey and Brad Seckler, Emily Kapper, and Alex and Rika Kapper. He was a proud and amazing Mike Jiji to his grandchildren Akiyoshi and Lilyah.

Dad's fascination with antique farm equipment and tools, and the stories behind them, was only rivaled by his love of telling everyone how each of the tools and equipment had been used. His hobbies were as varied as his tool collection: he loved reading history books (particularly anything about the Civil War), planting a huge garden, hosting shoot-outs, visiting with friends and family, and attending church.

Dad was also a collector of friends. His generosity knew no bounds and he spent much of his life helping others whether it was fixing playground equipment at Hillside Bethel's "Play It Forward" playground, herding cows with his brother, spending time with his grandkids, building catios, or simply being the person people turned to when they needed advice or an extra set of hands. His idea of helping was often finding a YouTube video that would tell you exactly how to fix your problem.

Those of his siblings that remain include: Rita and Carl Fieldbinder, Bob and Jackie Kapper, Tom and Debbie Kapper, Terry and Brenda Kapper, Teresa Kapper, Susan and Michael Hawkins, Patty Rogers, Joan Kapper, Paula and Kevin Carey, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life church service will be held atHillside Bethel Ministries, located at 3575 E. Greenhill Rd, Decatur, IL onSaturday, July 12, 2025, from10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The service will also be livestreamed at www.hillsidebethel.com for those unable to attend in person.

Following the service, from12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., all are welcome to attend an informal Open House of the Hillside campus. This time offers guests the chance to tour the church and school facilities, many of which proudly bear the mark of Dad's faithful handyman work over the years.

Beginning at 1:00 p.m., the family will host a visitation and receiving line, with doors closing at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Dad's legacy by supporting a cause close to his heart: the Ms. Vickie Scholarship Fund at Hillside Bethel Christian School. The school exists to provide quality, affordable Christian education, and the scholarship helps make that vision possible for families in need.

Ways to Give:

Online: Visit www.hillsidebethel.com/give and select "Ms. Vickie Scholarship Fund" from the drop-down menu.

In Person: Donation bins will be available throughout the church during the service and visitation. An offering will also be taken during the service.

By Mail: Send checks to Hillside Bethel Ministries, 3575 E. Greenhill Rd, Decatur, IL 62521. Please note "Ms. Vickie Scholarship Fund" in the memo.

By Phone: Call Hillside directly at 217-429-5590 for assistance with your donation.

Your generosity will continue the legacy of faith, service, and education that Dad so deeply cherished. Friends and family will forever remember his words and laughter. He was fiercely loved.