Vernice Kaphingst

Mrs Robert (Vernice L. Riehl) Kaphingst, age 79, of Sebring, Florida went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 26, 2010 at Brewster Village in Appleton.

She was born December 12, 1930 in the Town of Center, daughter of the late Albert and Sophia (Lewandowski) Riehl. On June 24, 1950 she was united in marriage to Robert Kaphingst at Trinity Lutheran Church in the town of Ellington. Robert preceded her in death after 43 loving years of marriage.

Vernice was a graduate of Shiocton High School, graduating in 1948. Upon her graduation she was employed at Aid Association for Lutherans (AKA Thrivent). Vernice and Robert were co-owners of K & B Auto Co. in Black Creek, WI. Vernice was employed there as an office worker.

In 1957 they decided to move to Miami, Florida were they pursued different businesses ending with a company titled Dixie Distributing. After an early retirement and sale of their business they moved to Lake Francis located outside of Lake Placid, Florida. Robert and Vernice became employed at Lake Placid Auto Parts where she worked as an office bookkeeper.

Vernice and Robert became very involved within their community. They were very instrumental in the start of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lake Placid. She was an active volunteer with Meals On Wheels and an Acting Branch Officer for Thrivent Insurance. She also volunteered frequently at a local thrift shop and many other church activities. Vernice was also an active member with the American Legion Auxiliary as well as the Ladies of the Elks. She was a member of the New Life Lutheran Church. Vernice will be greatly missed by her family and many dear friends.

She is survived by her sister Germaine Kaphingst, Appleton; nieces and nephews: James and Sherma DeDecker, Utah, Dr. Dennis and Sherilyn DeDecker, Utah, Gary and Lyn Kaphingst, Black Creek, James and Jean Franz, Newberg, Dan and Kathy Jenquine, Lomira, Duane and Sheila Vander Zanden, Appleton, Paul Kaphingst, Appleton; great niece Leah Egan. Vernice also had many beloved great and great great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a sister Doris (Lloyd) DeDecker; brother-in-law Lloyd DeDecker; brother-in-law Gordon Kaphingst; niece Janet K. Kaphingst; niece Marsha Stone.

Friends may call at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ellington, on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 from 9 AM until services at 11 AM with Pastor Jeffrey Suhr officiating. Burial will be at Highland Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

Vernice's family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all of her dedicated and loving friends who helped her in Florida. Also special thanks to Dr. Agustin Lacson and Ann Root at The Palms in Sebring for your professional assistance.

We would also like to acknowledge the dedicated people at Brewster Village, especially Jeff McCabe and Yvonne Rochon and all of the caring staff in the Homestead Unit. Heartland Hospice was especially helpful and the kind advice from Sister Ruth was comforting.

.To our dear Aunt B.C..We will always love you, miss you dearly and await our reuniting with you in Heaven.