Carol Kappel, 57, of Pella, Iowa, passed away at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House on September 21, 2016, after a courageous battle with liver cancer.

Carol Ann Rice was born June 30, 1959, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Norman and Betty (Hazewinkel) Rice. She grew up in Marion, Iowa, and graduated from Marion High School in 1977. She was united in marriage with Gary Kappel on October 18, 1980, at First Baptist Church in Marion. They made their home in Ely, Iowa. In September of 1985, they moved to Pella. In March of 1986, they purchased their home on Elmwood Drive, where they raised their two daughters, Lisa and Amy, and continued to live to the present.

Carol's life ministry was one of nurturing. Her most fulfilling role was that of wife, mother, and homemaker. She also had much affection for the elderly. Carol worked for a time as a certified nurse's aide at Pella Regional Health Center and Hilltop South. She then worked as a certified medication aide at Hilltop South. Later, she worked as a pharmacy technician at Medicap Pharmacy and was the first pharmacy technician employed when the Vermeer Pharmacy opened. Carol concluded her wage-earning career at Hy-Vee and returned to a full time role as wife, mother, homemaker, and grandmother.

In the fall of 2011, after a year and a half of debilitating fatigue, Carol was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. She nearly lost her life and was left disabled due to chronic fatigue. Carol had developed a deep love for shelter rescue dogs and in years past could often be seen walking her dogs on the streets of Pella. Her three dogs provided constant comfort and companionship.

Carol is survived by Gary, her husband of 36 years, two daughters, Lisa (Chris) Kistler of Cedar Rapids and Amy Kappel of Urbandale, a brother, Richard (Mey) Rice of Lake City, Florida, a sister, Janet (Ken) Ramstad of Marion, her mother-in-law, Betty Kappel of Fargo, North Dakota, and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law, Paul Kappel.

Visitation

2:00 P.M., Monday, September 26, 2016
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Family present 5:00-7:00 P.M.

Funeral Service

4:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Peace Lutheran Church
Pella, Iowa

In Lieu Of Flowers Memorialsmay Be Given To

Hospice of Pella
Animal Rescue League of Iowa
Animal Lifeline of Iowa or
AHeinz57 Pet Rescue

Family

Husband: Gary Kappel, Pella
Daughters: Lisa (Chris) Kistler, Cedar Rapids
Amy Kappel, Urbandale