Jan Theodore Kapphahn

Jan Theodore Kapphahn, a devoted family man, veteran and cherished storyteller, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2024, at the age of 80, in Ballwin, MO. Jan lived a life of service and selflessness, leaving a legacy that will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

Born on July 13, 1943, in Omaha, NE, Jan's early life inspired his lifelong commitment to others. His father was the band and choir director at Boys Town in Nebraska which inspired Jan's lasting love of music. After Boys Town, the Kapphahns headed to the West Coast and began a new chapter in California.

Jan served with distinction in the US Air Force, a time that formed the core of stories to be shared in the years to follow, filled with both the gravity of service and the humor of daily life in uniform. Those stories have been an inspiration and a source of entertainment to many.

After his honorable discharge, Jan embarked on a new chapter, one equally filled with dedication and love, but this time, centered around his family. He married Sylvia in 1968, and together they raised six children, instilling in them the values of faith, integrity, kindness, and the importance of keeping family bonds strong.

He is survived by his children (spouses) Colleen Grant, Heidi (Robert) McLane, Teresa Kapphahn, Katy (Johann) Vandenberg, Kyle (Sylvia) Kapphahn, and Kevin (Rebecca) Kapphahn; and his eleven grandchildren, Emma Kapphahn, Joseph Kapphahn, Maren Kapphahn, Olivia Kapphahn, Angel (Thomas) Clark, Errick McLane, Dustyn McLane, Keira Kapphahn, Emerie Kapphahn, Kalista Kapphahn, and Ian Vandenberg; his brother, Paul (Pat) Kapphahn; sister, Katie (Charlie) Caswell and a host of other family members and friends.

Jan was preceded in death by his father, Theodore A. Kapphahn; Mother, Jane F. Kapphahn; and three sisters, Karmen Ward, Becky Ramsey, and Jane Feldman.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at West County Chapel, Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 2211 Clarkson Rd, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017. A funeral mass will be held the following morning, Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church with Father Yates officiating. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery will immediately follow. Following the interment, a reception will be hosted at the Assisi House on the campus of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Please use the following link to access the livestream: Click Here to view the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the charity of your choice in Jan's honor.

Jan's journey through life was a testament to the power of storytelling, the depth of his love for his family, and his enduring legacy of service. He will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.

To share a memory of Jan or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.