Brian Kappel

Brian Kappel, 74, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on July 11, 2025, following complications from an earlier stroke. He was surrounded by his family at Sanford Hospice House, listening to his favorite music from Garth Brooks and Chuck Suchy.

Born on March 17, 1951 in Fargo, Brian loved his family, students, and community. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 53 years, Ev Kappel; his children Kristine Kappel (Ben Gembler) of San Diego, Patrick (Grace) Kappel of San Diego, and Liz Kappel of Mandan, ND; and his beloved grandchildren Sophia, Talyia, Cooper, and Kordell—who were truly the lights of his life.

Brian graduated from Shanley High School in 1969 and went on to NDSU where he met Ev at the Newman Center while playing cards. They were married July 29, 1972, at St. James Catholic Church in Jamestown, ND.

Brian and Ev enjoyed Bison basketball games and went to RedHawks games every summer, one of Brian’s favorite activities. He was a season ticketholder to Bison football, a special activity he did with Liz and Talyia for many years.

A passionate outdoorsman, Brian loved hunting in Western North Dakota and fishing in Minnesota. He enjoyed teaching his son how to hunt and, in the winter, he always cleared the snow off the lake so his kids could ice skate and ice fish. Summers were spent camping throughout the U.S., stopping at historical landmarks and teaching his children to appreciate the world beyond their doorstep. Later in life his greatest joy was teaching his grandchildren how to fish and pulling them in the tube on the lake in the summer or taking them sledding in the winter. He advocated for lake conservation and planted milkweed and wildflowers around the lake to help preserve the habitat for butterflies and bees. He also had more than a dozen bird feeders in his back yard to keep the birds happy – and squirrels and rabbits and deer!

Brian dedicated his career to education, teaching government, economics, and history for 22 years in Grafton, ND, and later, computer networking and CISCO courses in the Fargo Public School system for 16 years. He also led the volunteer ambulance crew in Grafton for many years.

He took immense pride in staying connected with his former students and cheering on their personal and professional accomplishments.

Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, Brian is also survived by his father Herb and brothers, John, Jim, and Mike. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy.

Brian’s life was a testament to commitment—whether to education, innovation, his community, or the family he cherished above all else.

His family is grateful to the dedicated, compassionate staff at Sanford Health, Vibra Hospital, Bethany, and Sanford Hospice House and all those who offered prayers and comfort for Brian and us. He is now at peace.

Visitation will be held at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo on Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 18 with a visitation at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church. A private burial will follow.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.