David Arthur Kappauf passed away at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth on February 20, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on May 22,1942, to William and Alice (Irons) Kappauf in Clover Township, Hinckley, Minnesota. He attended Clover School through eighth grade and then Hinckley High School, class of 1960. He enlisted in U.S. Navy in 1965, training at Great Lakes Naval Academy in Chicago. As a gunner on the U.S.S. Marias, he travelled to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. He enjoyed seeing the world and told many colorful stories about his Navy days. After being discharged in 1969, he returned to Hinckley, working for his uncle at Lawrence Irons Construction. His main interest was farming, and he worked with his dad on the farm.

On one of his visits to Minnesota to visit his sister Norma Jean in Rochester, she introduced him to Carol Ann Chilson. This began the love story leading to their marriage on June 20, 1970, and they celebrated 55 years of marriage last summer. They lived in Hinckley for a few years before moving to Clover Township, where they built a new home and raised their family.

Dave graduated from Pine Technical College in 1972 in automotive mechanics. He worked for Don Dupre and Chet Maser until getting a job at the Pine County Highway Department in 1974. He worked as a grader/snowplow operator and later mechanic, retiring in 2004. He owned and operated his repair and welding business at home in his 'spare time'. He was on Clover Township board for 40 years and grader/plow operator for Clover township many years. He served on Deacon board at Clover Community Church also.

Dave enjoyed fishing, and went to Canada several times with Roy Andermann, Herb Sikkink, Jon Williams and others. His sons went with him a few times and the wives went couple times.

He is survived by his wife and four children: Jeffrey (Sherry), Kevin of Hinckley, Carla (Tim) Goetz of Eagan, and Melissa (Caleb) Nelson of Braham, grandchildren: Marissa (John) True, Katelyn (Ty) Knudson Klar, Elijah Kappauf, Laynamae Kappauf, Tao Nelson, Nevaeh Kappauf, Jolie Kappauf, Ellianna Kappauf, Sadie Kappauf, Macie Kappauf, Izabella Kappauf, Katalina Kappauf, Adela Kappauf, Silas Nelson, Eleanor Nelson, and Otto Nelson; 7 great- grandchildren; sisters Maxine Mulholland, Norma Jean Merkel, Evelyn Gallimore, Carol Kirkham, brother Keith Kappauf, brother-in-law Jeff Finke and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by parents, grandparents and sister, Theresa Finke.

Dave will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. He fought bravely against cancer for about 2 years and appreciated all the people praying for him. The family is grateful for the support and compassionate care he has received from all the medical facilities caring for him.

A Funeral Service will be held at Clover Community Church in Hinckley, Minnesota on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00AM with Pastor Frank Moyer officiating.  There will be a visitation on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Tatting Methven Funeral Home in Hinckley, Minnesota from 5:00PM to 7:00PM as well as one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will take place after the service at Clover Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Hinckley Honor Guard.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services, Tatting Methven Chapel, Hinckley, Minnesota www.methvenfuneralhome.com