Donald A. Kaphingst, age 89, of Clintonville, passed away on Saturday evening, February 15, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton.

Donald “Don” Arthur Kaphingst was born on July 1, 1935, in Clintonville, WI, to the late Arthur and Edith (Anderson) Kaphingst. While in high school, he worked at a movie theater and later graduated from Clintonville High School. Don served in the U.S. Navy as a boiler technician and was deployed from 1955 to 1957. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Clintonville and worked at Nelson’s Garage and the F.W.D. Corporation for several years. In 1963, he joined the Clintonville Police Department, where he served the community for over 37 years. He married Mary E. Rickard on November 24, 1971, and both were lifelong members of Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville. After retiring from full-time service in 1991, he continued to work part-time with the police department for another nine years. Once fully retired, Don worked at Klein’s Dealership in Clintonville, delivering vehicles interstate. He took great pride in maintaining his home and yard with meticulous attention to detail. In his younger years, Don enjoyed traveling with Mary and their friends on motorcycle rides across the state. He loved staying connected with his friends, socializing with his fellow police officers, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children: Scott Kaphingst of Port Charlotte, FL; Thomas (Yuki) Kaphingst of McKinney, TX; and Sandra (Jeff Schaut) Hanson of Peshtigo; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Stewart of Topeka, KS.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary, in 1990; his daughter, Cindy (Tim) Krueger; his grandson, Terry Krueger; his brothers, John “Jack” (Jean) Kaphingst and Jim (Mary) Kaphingst; and his brother-in-law, Bill Stewart.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville, with the Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville. Interment will take place at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville.

Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 9 AM until the time of the service.

The Kaphingst family would like to thank the staff of ARC Angels, along with Mark Zachow, Jim & Lynn Beggs, Andy Hopfensperger, and Laurie Vollrath for all of their care and support over the years.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory in Clintonville is assisting with the arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.