Born in 1918 in Germany, Hildegard immigrated to the United States with her mother in 1931 at the age of 13.
I can only imagine how difficult it might be in the depression era to have to learn a new language, make new friends as a teenager and make a new home in a strange new place, New York City. Probably the only obstacle she did not have to face in those days is bullying in social media. Yet, she learned the language while never giving up her native language and culture.
As a young adult, she began her own seamstress business and met my father at the New York polo fields while he was playing pick-up soccer. In 1939, they married. Dad’s job later brought our family to Statesville where she engaged in numerous endeavors in addition to being a stay at home mom. Mom was an active real estate broker, owner and operator of a motel in downtown Statesville, active in the Statesville Altrusa Club, co-sponsored an exchange student from Japan.
After both mom and dad retired, they bought a Bresler’s Ice Cream shop at Signal Hill Mall in Statesville operating it for several years. Hildegard Kappler was a daughter who took care of her aging mother and step father in their last years, a strict but caring mother, and a teacher of doing things correctly.
Hildegard is survived by her son, Douglas Kappler and his wife Beverly Smith Kappler of Raleigh, grandchildren Christopher Simon, his wife Jennifer of Statesville, Heather Foster and husband Jeffery Foster of Kenly, NC, Dana Walker and husband Will of Burlington, NC and Jonathan Kappler and wife April of Raleigh. Great grandchildren are Tyson Foster and Grayden Foster and Georgiana, William, Jenna and Max Simon.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 10, 2014 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at Broad Street United Methodist Church with the Service of Remembrance beginning at 2:00 PM in the church sanctuary with the Dr. Rev. Michael Gehring officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Broad Street United Methodist Church – Caring Fund 315 West Broad Street Statesville, NC 28677.
Online condolences may be made at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements for Mrs. Kappler.
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