Paul H. Kappel, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 5, 2012. Paul, a happy friend to all, was born June 30, 1919, near Lesterville, S.D., to Raymond J. and Alice (Wagner) Kappel. Paul grew up on the family farm and attended Lesterville High School. He appropriately was the humor editor for the school paper the "Roosevelt Skits".

He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably for eight years including meritorious service in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II. He was a Technical Sergeant and acted as a platoon leader for Company B, 379th Regiment, of the 95th Infantry Division. During the war he participated in three major campaigns including Metz, Ruhr, and Northern Germany. Paul received a Bronze Star and Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroic efforts. He also received a Purple Heart for being wounded in combat after the Battle of Saarlautern. He later received the French Legion of Honor Medal for his efforts in liberating France.

Paul was an avid reader and collector. He enjoyed reading, writing and reciting poetry. He also enjoyed writing short stories and had several articles published. Paul was an avid conversationalist and story teller. He had the ability to bring laughter and joy to his family and friends over the years. Paul enjoyed his annual pilgrimages to South Dakota to visit family and friends. He was truly a friend to anyone and an enemy to none.

Paul was an active member of many clubs and organizations. He was a past post commander of the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. He served as the past post commander for the local chapter of the Military Order of Purple Heart. He also was a life-long member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Paul was the last surviving member of his parent's family. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Renee Waugh of Council Bluffs, Iowa; a brother, Jean of Austin, Texas; a brother, Raphael of Yankton, S.D.; a brother, Patrick of Yankton, S.D.; and a sister, Roseanne Murray of Wichita, Kan.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Millie of Green Bay; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Michalec of Green Bay; and many nieces and nephews. He had a close relationship with his best friend, Tom Fruit of Pulaski; and a nephew, Bob Kappel of Sioux Falls, S.D.

Friends may call at St. Willebrord Catholic Church, 209 S. Adams St., from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. Andrew G. Cribben O.Praem officiating. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Paul's family offers their sincere gratitude to the staffs of Unity Hospice and Woodside Lutheran Home.