Dorothy Ann Kappel

Dorothy Ann (Chivers) Kappel passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Fargo at the age of 95 surrounded by her husband of 76 years and loved ones.

Dorothy was born on May 17, 1929, in Minot, ND to Wilfred and Selma Chivers. She graduated from high school in 1947 and joined her friend for the adventure of attending Dakota Business College in Fargo. On her first day of class, a young Navy sailor from Gladstone, ND saw her walking in with her beautiful dark hair and eyes and thought “I’ve got to meet her.” To get closer to her, he asked her friend on a date! Once he had the chance and the courage, he asked Dorothy out. That man would become her husband of 76 years, Herb Kappel. They were married May 14, 1949, at St. Joseph’s Church in Moorhead, MN.

Dorothy worked as a bookkeeper for Coca-Cola before becoming a homemaker and loving mother to four boys. She and Herb lived in the same green home in south Fargo for 65 years. Her grandkids and great-grandkids loved visiting the house to see the retro shuffleboard court in the basement and snack on Keebler crackers grandma always had ready and neatly arranged on a plate waiting for them. She would read them books and make toys and games out of cardboard boxes and bins. And she always treated them in the morning to Cheerios with a big spoonful of sugar on top!

Dorothy enjoyed summers at their Minnesota lake cabin that she and Herb built together with the help of their children. They would often have a full lake home with their kids, relatives, and grandkids running around. She loved to make Dawn dish soap blowing bubbles for the grandkids and great grandkids and would spend hours helping them make homemade ice cream and watching slide shows in the living room together.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 76 years, Herb Kappel; and their sons, Brian (Ev) Kappel of Fargo, John Kappel of Dickinson, James Kappel of Missoula, and Michael Kappel, Fargo; her sister, Marilyn Anderson (Washington); her grandchildren, Kristine Kappel (Ben Gembler) of San Diego, Patrick (Grace) Kappel of San Diego, Liz Kappel of Mandan, Ben (Dani) Kappel of Mandan, Andrea Kappel of Dickinson, and Rob (Lucy) Kappel of Fargo; as well as many great grandchildren who loved to visit and bring their energy and go “bowling” in great-grandma’s house.
She was preceded in death by both parents, her sister Lilian, and her grandson Robert.

Dorothy will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends as a testament to a life well-lived and full of love.

A funeral will be held on Thursday the 17th at 2:00pm at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center.