Died Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at CHI Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha.
Jeffrey A Kappeler was born June 18, 1950, to Kenneth "Dale" and Bette (Freeman) Kappeler. He grew up on a farm south of Arlington. Started school at a country school then transferred to Fremont Senior High where he graduated. He attended Midland Lutheran College and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and taught for several years.
From an early age Jeff had an interest in history. He did genealogy and traced his family back to William Brewster who came to America on the Mayflower. His interest then has led to his career of museum curator at John Brown's Cave in Nebraska City and the Dodge County Historical Society/May Museum in Fremont. He has also taught Elderhostel sessions through Midland Lutheran College and has had independent research projects on a continuing basis to gain a better understanding of 19th century life in Nebraska.
He is survived by his sister Linda (Garry) Goracke of Fremont, nieces Tami (Glenn) Kietzmann of Carroll, Keri Goracke of Elkhorn and Kelle Goracke (Kris Schroeder) of Ankeny, Iowa. Great-niece Ashley Tyler of Elgin and great-nephew Colby Kuhr of Fremont. Great-great niece and nephew Harlie and Benton Tyler of Elgin.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Donna Skoog Kappeler and niece Sherrill Goracke.
Gravesides services will be 11:00am, Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(1)
Renate Schulte
Amana, IA Saturday, September 6, 2025 My sincere sympathies to all of Jeff's Family upon your great loss of a wonderful friend. Bud and I so enjoyed his visits to Amana, antiquing, sharing Amana history and dinners. Jeff's wit, smile and energy will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace