DAVID KAPHINGST

Dave, age 65, of Neenah passed away, Friday, December 30, 2022, surrounded by family following a valiant fight with cancer. Despite the twists and turns of a terrible diagnosis, he remained positive and made the best of each day, mustering up the strength to celebrate Christmas with his peeps.

Dave was born August 7, 1957 to the late Fred and Barb Kaphingst, of Greenville, Wisconsin. He spent his early years on the family farm before Fred and Barb moved to their home in Greenville. Dave attended school in Greenville/Hortonville, graduating from Hortonville High School in 1975. While living in Greenville, Dave made the kind of friendships that last a lifetime. We cherish those friends and the memories they have shared over the years.  

Dave married his high school sweetie, Karen (Nussbaum) on November 5, 1977. They celebrated 45 years of marriage this year with their children and grandchildren. After they were married, Dave and Karen moved to Neenah and started their family. Dave worked at N&M Auto Supply in Neenah with Doug Angell for over 45 years, taking full ownership in 2019. He developed his own inventory management style and was very proud of (almost) always having “The NAPA(R) Know How” to help his customers. His customers often became his friends. He could chat at the counter for hours about anything anytime. He always thought he would work forever, but when his health needed to be the priority, his daughter, Katie, stepped in to support him and the business. He could not be more proud of her and the team he built!

Over the years, Dave participated in a variety of groups and activities; including Fred's Fantastic Fireworks Crew at the Greenville Catfish Races, sailing, various booster clubs and raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. Most of all, he loved to cook and spend time with his family at his home or at the family cabin near Minocqua. He always loved to grill and had recently expanded his repertoire to include baking chocolate chip cookies, banana bread and cinnamon rolls. He loved to make guacamole and took great pride in teaching the peeps how it should be done.  We will miss his meticulous cooking methods and inquiries with each bite.

Dave knew someone everywhere he went. He had a true gift for connecting with people. He will be missed by so many. Dave is survived by his wife, Karen, and their children, Angela (Collin) Kaas, Katie (Curt) Becker and Eric (Danielle) Kaphingst and grandchildren Tyson, Tucker and Talia Kaas, Cavin and Camryn Becker and Brooks and Pierce Kaphingst. He is further survived by his sister, Sue (Jim) Hoier, Karen's parents, Ronald and Dolores Nussbaum, Karen's siblings John Nussbaum, Bill (Pam) Nussbaum, Dave (Donna) Nussbaum, Jean (Pat) Coniff, Mark Nussbaum, Dan (Diana) Nussbaum, Mary (Pat) Mulroy and Tom (Shari) Nussbaum and former sister-in-law, Judy Kaphingst. He will be remembered fondly by his uncle, Wally Thorson, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tom; his brother-in-law, Marty Young; and his sisters-in-law: Lori Nussbaum and Julie Nussbaum.

A funeral service for Dave will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 9, 2023 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, W7265 School Road, Greenville with Pastor Dolan officiating.  Visitation will be held at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home on Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. and will continue on Monday at church from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.