Hope Christie Kappes, age 88 of Grand Rapids, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, July 8, 2014. Hope was born and raised in Chicago, IL, the youngest of four daughters born to Jenny and George Christie. On June 12, 1948 she married Calvin Andrew Kappes, settling in Grand Rapids and spending sixty six happy years together raising three children. Together they started Kappes Landscapes in 1968, building it into a prominent landscape firm until their retirement. Hope was very involved in school and neighborhood activities and was especially known for her tenacity playing Canasta with her neighborhood friends. She was also a longtime active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Along with her husband Cal, she was involved with the Lutheran World Relief Charity. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Dorothy Westerland and Georgiann Kegal. She is survived by her beloved husband, Calvin; children, Gary (Linda) Kappes, Holly Kappes, Jean Kappes Hall; grandson, Christopher; and sister, Jane Beard. Her family will greet relatives and friends Monday, July 14 from 5-8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E.. The funeral service to celebrate Hope’s life will be held Tuesday, July 15, 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 5126 Cascade Rd. S.E. Pastor Robert Appold officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran World Relief, c/o St. Matthew Lutheran Church or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 888877, Grand Rapids, MI 49588-8877
