Florenz “Flo” Raymond Kapaun, 89, died after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames surrounded by family. Due to the COVID pandemic, a private family service and interment will be held. A public celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Mass of Christian Burial will be live streamed at Anderson Funeral Homes Facebook page at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 2021. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Israel Family Hospice House or the Northridge Village Commons Activity Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home in Marshalltown. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Flo was born on September 3, 1931 at the family farm in Humboldt, South Dakota. He was educated in Rapid City and Sioux Falls South Dakota and graduated from St. Joseph’s Cathedral High School in Sioux Falls in 1949. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Kathryn Alvey on November 20, 1950. Their partnership lasted 62 years until Kathryn’s death in 2013. Together they raised nine children. Flo returned to school at the age of 27 and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sioux Falls College. He was especially proud that he earned his degree while working two jobs with seven children at home. Flo spent his entire career in the mechanical contracting trades, beginning as an apprentice sheet metal worker in Sioux Falls. He founded Kapaun & Brown Heating and Cooling with partner Keith Brown in 1974. The company, due to the hard work of its founders and employees, grew to be one of Iowa’s leading mechanical contracting firms. Flo was active in the trade and community throughout his career holding several officer positions with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa and was elected president of the organization in 1988. He helped establish vocational education programs at Marshalltown Community College and served in advisory roles on many local community initiatives. He was an active member in numerous Marshalltown professional, charitable, religious, fraternal and social organizations including the Marshalltown Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, the Marshalltown United Way, St Henry’s and St Mary’s Catholic churches, the Knights of Columbus and Elmwood Country Club. Flo retired from business in 2008. He was a believer in life-long learning and remained active, sharp and vibrant until his final days. He was best known for his corny jokes, love of puns and passion for music.
Flo is survived by his children, Michele (Chris) Tsouris of Aurora, CO, Joe (Lola) Kapaun of Hudson, IA, Casey Kapaun of Parker, CO, Dan (Debbie) Kapaun of Olathe, KS, Paul (Susie) Kapaun of Orchard Park, NY, Jane (John) Niemeyer of Collinsville, OK, Stephen (Roxie) Kapaun of Ankeny, IA, Katie (Rick) Swalla of Ames, IA, daughter-in-law Denise Kapaun of West Islip, NY and his seventeen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Kathryn, son Patrick, grandson Michael, daughter-in-law Carol, parents Jack and Florence Kapaun, brothers Frank, Ralph and Jim, and sister Joann Hines.