Lawrence "Larry" Allen Kappers

Lawrence “Larry” Allen Kappers, 83, of Oostburg, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Pine Haven Christian Communities – Giddings Campus.

Larry was born on May 27, 1941, to Benjamin and Florence (Bloemers) Kappers in Sheboygan. He graduated from Oostburg High School in 1959 and went on to graduate from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1963. Larry was united in marriage to Jean Buteyn on December 26, 1963, at Oostburg Christian Reformed Church.

Larry attended graduate school at The University of Missouri – Columbia to obtain his master’s degree and PhD in Physics in 1970. He did his postdoctoral work at The University of Minnesota for 2 and a half years and Oklahoma State University for 9 months. In 1973, Larry and Jean moved to Connecticut, and he taught Physics at the University of Connecticut for almost 40 years. They both enjoyed following the UConn Women’s Basketball team around the country. Larry retired in 2009 and in 2012, he and Jean moved home to Oostburg and became members of Oostburg CRC. They loved to travel together and spent a lot of time traveling to Hungary, Holland, and Alaska. In his retirement, he enjoyed driving for OCS and cherished his connections with students that were made.

Larry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean; sisters, Kathy Rauwerdink and Audrey Dolfin; sisters-in-law, Marcia (Don) Modahl, Nedra (Dennis) Kanz, and Helen Buteyn; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold (Mary) Kappers; sister, Mary Lou (Lauren) DeTroye; brothers-in-law, Warren Rauwerdink, David Dolfin, and Neal Buteyn; and sister-in-law, June (Bill) DeBoer.

A funeral service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at Oostburg CRC on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 11:00am with Pastor Drew Zylstra officiating.

Relatives and friends may greet the family at church from 9:00am until the time of service.

Memorials are appreciated in Larry’s name for Oostburg Christian School, The Gathering Place, or Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

Larry’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Pine Haven Christian Communities – Covenant Home and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. 

The staff of Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting the family. Please visit wenigfh.com for more information.

A livestream of Larry's funeral can be viewed by visiting https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/stream/ .