Obituary of Walter Gilbert Kapke

Kapke, Walter G.
Bay City, Michigan

Walter G. Kapke passed away at McLaren Bay Region on October 8, 2023 at the age of 69 years. He was born on April 13, 1954 to the late Dorothy Garno and John Kapke in Saginaw, MI.   He was a member of Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. He retired from Delphi. He enjoyed playing with his grandkids, visiting his friends and going to the gym at the Bay County Community Center, gardening and taking care of his apple trees, painting and drawing, playing euchre, golf and fishing. Walter had a passion for baseball and loved teaching his family members how to play the game and is remembered for giving many their first baseball glove.   

Family was very important to him and his grandkids were his world. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Susanne Kapke, and three children: Chad (Nicole) Kapke, Kristi (John) Reed, and Joshua (Victoria) Kapke. He leaves grandchildren Kaylee, Joseph, Charlie, Joshua, Leyah, Carson, Kaeleb, Claire, Benjamin, Kamryn, Owen and Noah who all loved to work on projects in the barn with Papa. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley “Kitty” (Jerry) Williams, beloved cousin Henry Trier who was like a brother to him, and several nieces and nephews.   Walt was preceded in death by his sister, Rosemarie Kellogg.   

Walt never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those that needed it. He appreciated the little things in life such as nature, bird watching, and storytelling. His care and concern for others, vibrant and contagious smile, and jokes will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

  A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Saint Catherine of Siena in Bay City with Fr. James Wm. Bessert presiding with visitation from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the church. A celebration of life will take place at 2|42 Community Church in Saginaw from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023.   To sign online guestbook visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com.