Joseph George "Joe" KAEPPNER passed away on December 16, 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was born on December 11, 1934, in Columbus, Franklin, Ohio to parents George Kaeppner and Amelia “Emilie” Schober Kaeppner. Joe was the youngest of 10 children. When Joe was 13 years old, he moved to McCall, Idaho and lived with his older sister and his brother in law Alma and Tony Beaver. Alma and Tony were very special to Joe as they were his second parents and had a great influence on his life. Joe graduated from McCall-Donnelly High School in 1952. He worked the next 2 years at a local gas station before volunteering for the draft. He spent two years in the Army including a tour of duty in Korea as a helicopter mechanic.

After his service, he enrolled at Boise Jr. College. On a night out with a friend at the Idaho Fair, he spotted a young lady that he recognized from high school. He spoke to her briefly and immediately asked a mutual friend for her phone number. They were later married on June 28, 1958, in Boise, Idaho. During this time Joe transferred to College of Idaho and graduated with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1960. That same year their first son Jeffery was born followed by Daniel in 1963 and James in 1965. In 1962, Joe started a 30-year career with the U.S. Small Business Administration. He began his career as a Loan Officer trainee and over the years advanced through various positions and for the last seven years served as the District Director for Idaho. Joe had many hobbies over the years including coin collecting, genealogy, playing golf and watching sports. He also enjoyed taking his family to the Oregon coast for vacation.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and sons Jeffery and Daniel. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Jolene Kaeppner, son Jim (Robin) Kaeppner and granddaughter Nikkie Kaeppner Youngblood and grandson Travis Kaeppner. Graveside serves will be held at Star Cemetery on December 29th, 2025, at 2pm.