Herman Kaphing

Herman W. Kaphing, Jr. died peacefully at his home in Tucson, Arizona on October 26th, 2011. Herman was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 19, 1943 to Herman and Josephine Kaphing. He was born with Cerebral Palsy and was not expected to live past the age of 10. Proving the doctors wrong, he went on to live a beautiful life for over 69 years. In 1985 he and his Dad moved to Tucson to live with his brother Jerry. In addition to Jerry, who was Herman's rock, his youngest daughter Barb also assisted in caring for him. Whenever either of them needed, other family members were always there to assist, especially Jerry's wife Donna. She was an angel sent to Herman 7 years ago. Herman is preceded in death by his brother Bill Kaphing, Sr. of St. Paul, MN, his sister Mary Jo Birst of Bismarck, ND and his parents Herman & Josephine Kaphing of St. Paul, MN. Herman is survived by a beautiful family who loved him very much. His brother Jerry and his wife Donna of Tucson, AZ, niece Theresa Kaphing of Tucson (Ron), nephew Jerry Kaphing, Jr. of Fairfax, VA (Julie), nephew John of Peoria, AZ, niece Eileen Meixner of Tucson (Tom), nephew Jim Kaphing of Grand Rapids, MI (Michelle), niece Barbara Ann Kaphing-Grimes of Mesa, AZ (Greg), niece Mary Weidell (Mike), nephew Pat Kaphing (Kay), nephew Bill Kaphing, Jr. (Diane), niece Kathleen Kaphing & sister-in-law Bridget Kaphing, all of St. Paul, MN. Also, nephew Jeff Lawler, niece Debbie Jo Fode (Art) & brother-in-law Ray Birst, all of Bismarck, ND. Herman also had many great nieces and nephews who shared in his life...Jonathan, Sara, Shelby, Rachel, Murphy, Delany, Jeff, Beth, Kristin, Melissa, Brandon, Megan, Mikey, Jessie Jo, Shaun, Mike and Michelle. He also had many beloved cousins and extended family members who made his life special. Herman would want to thank everyone in St. Paul, Bismarck and Tucson who helped him live a wonderful life. Also, thank you to all the friends he met along the way who always had a kind word for him and sent a smile his way. Private services will be held for the family at St. Pius church in Tucson. Some of his ashes will be spread in Tucson and on Mt. Lemmon. Herman will then travel to St. Paul for a private service at St. Patrick's Catholic church. The remainder of his ashes will be spread on his grave site alongside his mother, father & brother Bill. Herman's life on earth will end at that time and his life will continue with the Lord in Heaven.