Roll Call Tribute

Walter Frederick (Fred) Kappel
October 21, 1936 – December 30, 2022

IN THE CARE OF
Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery

Walter Frederick (Fred) Kappel, 86, of The Woodlands, TX, passed away on December 30, 2022, after a courageous five-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Fred was born October 21, 1936, in New Braunfels, TX, to Walter Jacob Kappel and Elenora Fischer Kappel. The oldest of three boys, he spent his formative years in New Braunfels and Seguin, TX.

While growing up in New Braunfels he worked as a lifeguard in Landa Park, at the Brauntex Theatre, and on his grandparents’ farm near Seguin. Fred graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1955 where he played football and was King of Hearts; he was also a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He went on to attend the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (Texas A&M University), where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering and was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets Class of 1959, “B” Field Artillery, and the Ross Volunteers. Fred was a true Aggie and treasured his “Aggie buddies”.

After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Army, serving in South Korea in the 7th Infantry Division and at Fort Hood in the 2nd Armored Division (“Hell on Wheels”) as the "B" Battery Executive Officer, 1-14th Field Artillery. Following active duty he continued to serve in the Army Reserve for several years. His military experience reinforced his values for freedom and liberty which he held dear his entire life. Following the Army, Fred began his civilian career in San Antonio, TX, working for the Texas Highway Department to build Interstate-10, setting him on the path as a Professional Engineer. He loved engineering, mentoring young engineers, and was active in many professional organizations. He moved to Houston in 1966 where he built his career at Universal Pole Bracket and CE-American Pole Structures, ultimately holding executive positions. Later he worked with Ratnala & Bahl, an engineering and architectural firm, where he put his old slide rule to good use until his retirement in 2019.

In San Antonio, he met his true love, Martha Ann Branard, and they married in 1965. They ultimately settled in The Woodlands, TX in 1977, where they raised three children. He was an attentive father and lifelong role model. As a deep-rooted Methodist, he attended the first organizational meeting in October 1977 for what would become The Woodlands Methodist Church. God put Fred’s gifts to work on several early building construction phases, as a Sunday School teacher, and on many boards and committees; he loved his church community and was a faithful member for over 40 years.

Fred loved being with his friends and family outdoors in God’s creation, whether that be in a pecan orchard on the banks of the Guadalupe River, the Hill Country, fishing at the coast, hunting, or cycling. He was passionate about A&M football and tailgating, and had a sweet tooth for pecan pie and ice cream. He and Martha Ann always enjoyed the dance floor when they attended weddings.

Known as “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren, he was a loving family man, devoted husband, a kind neighbor and colleague, and a loyal friend. Fred remained positive and found joy despite his disease. He remains an inspiration in spirit and his memory will live with us forever. We will especially remember him smiling with his eyes.

Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann, and son, Lance. He is survived by his daughter-in-law Margaret Kappel (Lance), and children Jason Kappel (Stephanie), and Kandace Kappel; his grandchildren: Blake Kappel (Laura), Kelsey Kappel (Lori), Alicia Kappel Heidtke (Heath), Mallory and Tyler Kappel; and great-grandchildren: Owen, Kate, Charlie, Camille, and Lily. He is also survived by his brothers, Ray (Dee) and Dick (Mary) Kappel, many cousins, and extended relatives.

The family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 12th, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, at The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, in Aldersgate Hall (Entry 4, Parking in Lots B,C,D,E). The Funeral service will be held on Friday, January 13th, at 1:00 PM, at The Woodlands Methodist Church in the Robb Chapel, followed by a reception. The commitment service will be Saturday, January 14th, at 1:00 PM, at San Geronimo Cemetery in Seguin, TX.

Thank you to all of Fred’s caregivers, nurses, and doctors, to the staff of Houston Methodist ALS Clinic and The Woodlands Methodist Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for their unwavering care and support for our father.

Donations can be made in his memory to: Houston Methodist Hospital ALS Research Program c/o Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, TX 77210-4384, Gift Designation: In memory of Fred Kappel, Online: https://givingforms.houstonmethodist.org/GeneralGivingForm;  Or

The Woodlands Methodist Church Foundation 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380, Note: In memory of Fred Kappel, Online: https://www.thewoodlandsmethodist.org/Foundation.