WALTER (FRED) KAPPEL

10/21/1936 - 12/30/2022

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. He graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1955 and attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering and was a member of the Corps of Cadets Class of 1959. Fred was a true Aggie and treasured his “Aggie buddies”.

He was commissioned as a field artillery officer in the Army, served in South Korea, and subsequently in the Army Reserve for many years. Fred was a Professional Engineer and moved to Houston in 1966, where he spent the duration of his career, including executive positions at CE-American Pole Structures - retiring from Ratnala &

Bahl in 2019.

In San Antonio, he met his true love, Martha Ann Branard, and married in

1965. They settled in The Woodlands, TX, in 1977, and raised three children. He was an attentive father and lifelong role model. Fred loved being with his friends and family, whether on the banks of the Guadalupe River, fishing, hunting, or cycling. He was passionate about Aggie football, tailgating, and dessert.

He was a loving family man, devoted husband, and loyal friend. Fred remained positive and found joy despite his disease - smiling with his eyes. He remains an inspiration in spirit and his memory will live with us forever.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Martha Ann, and eldest 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, and many extended relatives.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 12th, from 5:30 – 7:00 PM, at The Woodlands Methodist Church, 2200

Lake Woodlands Drive, in Aldersgate Hall (Entry 4, Lots B,C,D,E). The Funeral service will be held 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 his caregivers and nurses, the Houston Methodist ALS Clinic,

The Woodlands Methodist Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Department of Veterans Affairs for unwavering care and support.

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

The Woodlands Methodist Church Foundation

2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77380