Ilene Kappes

Ilene Kappes, age 85, of Twin Valley, MN, died Monday, November 03, 2008 at the Twin Valley Living Center in Twin Valley. Ilene M. Sorenson was born August 6, 1923, the daughter of Christopher and Annie (Thomas) Sorenson near Borup, Minnesota. She attended grade school there and graduated from Borup High School. As a young woman, Ilene worked as a waitress in Minneapolis and later in Tucson, Arizona. On November 20, 1941, Ilene was united in marriage to Jerome Kappes in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ada, Minnesota. The couple lived and farmed near Twin Valley where they raised three children. Ilene was well known for waitressing at the Dairy Whirl and at Kegler Lanes Bowling Alley. After Jerome’s death in 1993, Ilene moved into Twin Valley. She entered the Twin Valley Living Center in 2007 where she made her home until the time of her death. Some of Ilene’s favorite past times included crafting, embroidery, painting, reading, and simply visiting with friends and family. She especially enjoyed gambling and playing games, often going to the casino, playing scratch-off lottery tickets, and penny bingo at the nursing home. She was known for her home made brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Ilene will be long remembered for the memories she made providing the large Thanksgiving meals for her family. Spending time with her family was important to Ilene and she especially treasured the time she spent playing with her grandchildren. Ilene is survived by a daughter, Janice (Murray) Winn of Mishawaka, IN; sons, Lance (Kathleen) Junjak of Kalispell, MT and Jerry (Kris) Kappes of Twin Valley, MN; three grandchildren, Katie Kappes, Shelby Kappes and Dylan Junjak; two step-grandchildren, Beau and Barry Borowski; sisters, Emma Kappes of Ada, MN, Betty Coleman of Temple, TX, sisters-in-law, Dorothy Stock of Fargo, ND, Margie Sorenson, Marlys Kappes and Lois Kappes all of Ada, MN and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and infant daughter, brothers, Harry and Ted and a sister, Eunice Kappes. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2008 at St. William Catholic Church in Twin Valley. Officiating was Fr. Joe DeCrans with Joan Zimmerman serving as organist and Monica Winter serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Rick Sorenson, Jerry Bergstrom, Brent Kappes, Keith Kappes, Kelly Kappes Joey Kappes and Danny Johnson. Honorary pallbearers were all of Ilene’s grandchildren. Interment were in St. William Catholic Cemetery, Twin Valley, Minnesota.

Ilene Kappes

August 6, 1923 - November 3, 2008