Joyce Kappauf

Joyce Marie (Siems) Kappauf, 91, of Rochester, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at her home. Joyce was born March 29, 1930 in Oronoco, MN to Frederich and Clara (Lubahn) Siems. She was a 1947 graduate of Rochester High School. After graduation, she went on to graduate from the Kahler School of Nursing. She was proud of graduating 3rd in her class at Kahler School of nursing, and continuing her education. Joyce moved to San Diego in 1953, and lived there one year while attending San Diego State University and then transferred to the University of Minnesota, graduating with a certificate in Public Health. In her career she worked as a public health nurse for The Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota Hospitals, Olmsted County Public Health, and Rochester Public Schools. She would have loved to be reactivated as a public health nurse to assist with the Covid-19 Pandemic. On Aug 21, 1955, Joyce married Kenneth Kappauf at Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco. In 1962, Ken and Joyce together, established Sekapp Orchard. While Joyce helped manage Sekapp Orchard, she also consulted in the management of other orchards, including Assisi Heights and with the University of MN in developing new apple varieties. Joyce was known as " Mrs. Sekapp". Joyce and Ken enjoyed traveling the world together. They visited Alaska, South and Central America, Asia, Hawaii, China and all over the United States. She liked going out to eat, ice cream, playing solitaire, gin rummy and cribbage. She also loved gardening, going to beaches, laying in the sun and going sailing. She was a huge watcher of Days of Our Lives. Joyce was a member of Calvary Evangelical Free Church, where she was active in many capacities. Over the years she was a confidant and mentor to many. Joyce is survived by her children, Todd (Diana), Tamara (Richard), Terrence Frederick; daughter-in-law, Janeen; 11 grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Robert Christopherson and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. She was preceded in death by husband, Kenneth; son, Thomas; siblings, Harley, Vern, Olive, and Etta Mae and by her parents, Frederich and Clara. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, 5500 25th Ave. NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oronoco Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kappauf family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com