Claude L. Cappel

Claude Lee Cappel, age 81, of McCook, NE passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.

Claude entered this life on the family farm west of McCook on April 11, 1938.  He was the first of four children of Glenn Lewis and Loretta Marguerite (Joyce) Cappel.   Claude grew up on the family farm, learning to work at various chores necessary for running a successful farming operation.  After graduating from McCook High School in 1955, Claude entered the United States Navy on January 10, 1956.  He served as an electronics technician before being honorably discharged on March 10, 1960.

Prior to leaving for the Navy, Claude met Delores (Einsphar) Cappel.  During his leave in 1957, he returned to McCook and married Delores at a ceremony in Colorado, Springs, CO on November 7, 1957. To this union eight children were born:  Douglas, Teresa, Steven, Rodney, Cheryl, Pamela, William and Michael.

Following Claude’s years of service to his country, he spent his entire life farming.  He and Delores built their home on the farm north of McCook in 1967. Prior to retirement, Claude took up flying and found a hobby he truly enjoyed.  Claude served on the McCook REA Board for many years and was instrumental in helping start the rural fire department.

After Claude and Delores retired from farming, they built a home northwest of McCook where they lived at the time of his passing. In retirement, Claude spent his time working on computers and enjoyed travelling.

Preceding Claude in death were his parents, Glen and Loretta Cappel; his father and mother in law, Theodore (Susie) Einsphar; sister, Geraldine Palmer; son, Douglas (DC) Cappel; grandson, Justin Kraft; and great grandson, Isiah Cappel.

Those left to celebrate his life include his wife of 62 years, Delores Cappel at home in McCook; children, Teresa (Dallas) Hayes, Steven (Kelly) Cappel, Rodney Cappel, Cheryl Blackwell, Pamela Cappel, William (Nikki) Cappel, and Michael Cappel; daughter in law, Terri Cappel; fifteen grandchildren; five step grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; brother, Richard (Kathie) Cappel and sister, Donna Callum.