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Rita Agnes “Kappenma” Kappenman Phelps

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Birth	:	5 Jul 1927 Dolton, Turner County, South Dakota, USA
Death	:	17 Jan 2021 Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, USA
Burial	:	Saint Michael Catholic Cemetery, Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate	:	43.5786018, -96.7117004
Description	:	Rita A. Phelps, 93, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Thursday, January 21 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Sioux Falls, with burial at St. Michael Cemetery. The family will greet friends at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls beginning at 5:00 PM Wednesday, January 20, followed by a Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary beginning at 6:45 PM. A public Liturgical Wake Service will follow the rosary. Mask usage and social distancing are required at both the funeral home... Read More	Rita A. Phelps, 93, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 17, 2021 in Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Thursday, January 21 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, Sioux Falls, with burial at St. Michael Cemetery. The family will greet friends at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls beginning at 5:00 PM Wednesday, January 20, followed by a Catholic Daughters of the Americas Rosary beginning at 6:45 PM. A public Liturgical Wake Service will follow the rosary. Mask usage and social distancing are required at both the funeral home and the church. Rita Agnes (Kappenman) Phelps was born in Dolton, SD on July 5, 1927 to John and Laura (Ehert) Kappenman. She was raised on a farm near Montrose, SD and attended country school. She met Eugene (Gene) Phelps while preparing for a high school play. After high school, Rita worked at Foremost Dairy in Sioux Falls and waited for Eugene to return from the Army. Rita married Eugene Phelps, the love of her life, on January 3, 1949 in the chapel of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls. Rita and Eugene were married for 67 years. Rita and Gene spent most of their life in Sioux Falls, other than a short stint in California, returning to raise their family in Sioux Falls. Rita's strong faith and determination to have her children raised in faith, began sewing draperies for others to raise enough funds to send her children to Catholic school. This was the beginning of her cottage industry as she became founder of Rita's Custom Décor. Rita's quickly became sought after as one of the prized sewing workrooms in our region. Her determination, creativity, attention to detail and business acumen was to be admired. For over 40 years, Rita's Décor thrived at Park Ridge Mall and at 126 S. Phillips Ave. in Sioux Falls, where her "R" is still emblazoned on the front stoop. Rita was a charter member of the Cathedral Club at the Cathedral of St Joseph. Her Cathedral Club group raised much needed money for St. Joseph Cathedral school and church. Rita's group originated one of Cathedral's most notable fund raisers, the annual church dinner. She joined the Catholic Daughter's in 1960. Her court, St. Patricia #271, was given recognition for being a member for over 50 years. Rita was recognized in 2001 for Excellence in Art and Entertainment by SME Women in Business. Together, Gene and Rita raised five children. They lost their first-born son, Mike, to a tragic accident in 1975. Mike was 22 years old, was an avid jockey, and he died of his injuries. This was clearly her hardest tragedy to move forward within her life. To help ease her pain, another passion was her vegetable garden and canning every fall. Her kitchen would be filled with pots and pans and all the canning gear for months. This was not a small under-taking as she and Gene would can for all of our growing families as well. We miss those days! Holidays were always a time for celebration with family. All of our family members, to this day, talk about great holidays, family weddings and gatherings, the food and the card games we kids were taught from generation to generation at our home and those of all our relatives over the years. Mom always made certain we had every essential needed even if it was a bread sack in our snow boots to keep water out and our feet warm. Rita was the last of a wonderful group of siblings and was very close to each of them as years passed. Her only sister, Evelyn Hein-Klein (Wayne and Jack), was her partner in crime throughout the years. Her brothers were Dr. James Kappenman (Rosemary), Dr. Steven Kappenman (Gloria) and Lester Kappenman (Lorraine). Although Rita was small in stature, she was a powerhouse to be reckoned with. Her faith, family, work ethic and her never, never, never quit attitude were instilled in all her children and grandchildren. She governed with a strong hand and loving heart. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest pride and joy! Rita is survived by her children, Deb Koetzle, Jim (Theresa) Phelps, Mary Ellen Taylor and Michelle (Scott) Gullickson, all of Sioux Falls; nine grandchildren; 18 ¾ great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Phelps; her son, Mike; her son-in-law, Gil Koetzle; her step-grandson, Bode Lloyd; her grandson-in-law, Jason Nolte; her parents, John and Laura Kappenman; her brothers, Dr. James (Rosemary) Kappenman, Dr. Steven (Gloria) Kappenman, Lester Kappenman; and her sister, Evelyn Hein-Klein (Wayne and Jack). Rita's family requests you to join them in raising a glass of wine in her honor and memory at 4:00 PM on Thursday. Rita would have glass of wine every day at 4:00. We are grateful to our Heavenly Father for giving us a loving Mom! The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Dow Rummel Village for the excellent care they provided to Rita. Please consider a donation in memory of Rita to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. - George Boom Funeral Home

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Rita Agnes “Kappenma” Kappenman Phelps's memorial?
Rita Agnes “Kappenma” Kappenman Phelps's memorial is located at: Saint Michael Catholic Cemetery, Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA.
When did Rita Agnes “Kappenma” Kappenman Phelps death?
Rita Agnes “Kappenma” Kappenman Phelps death on 17 Jan 2021 in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Rita Agnes “Kappenma” Kappenman Phelps's memorial?
Latitude: 43.5786018
Longitude: -96.7117004

Family Members:

Parent

John Alfred Kappenman

(1893 - 1980)

Laura Theresa Ehret Kappenman

(1894 - 1980)

Spouse

Eugene J. “Gene” Phelps

(1926 - 2016)

Siblings

Stephen Joseph Kappenman

(1918 - 2008)

Lester Ambrose Kappenman

(1919 - 2010)

LTJG James William Kappenman

(1923 - 1991)

John Kappenman

(1936 - 1936)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Minnehaha County Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6025009, -96.7003021

2. Mount Zion Cemetery
Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5438423, -96.6973495

3. Sons of Israel Cemetery
Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5435410, -96.6966400

4. Hills of Rest Memorial Park
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5483017, -96.6821976

5. Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5421982, -96.6988983

6. Calvary Episcopal Cathedral Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5423000, -96.7279100

7. Berg Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6122017, -96.7514038

8. South Dakota Veterans Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6228800, -96.6776300

9. Woodlawn Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5257988, -96.7133026

10. Peterson Cemetery
Renner, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6403900, -96.7534300

11. Bethel Cemetery
Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5872002, -96.8107986

12. Forest Home Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5328382, -96.8054295

13. Swedona Covenant Cemetery
Brandon, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6394100, -96.6311500

14. Brandon Cemetery
Brandon, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5877991, -96.5919037

15. Dalemoe Cemetery
Crooks, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6698000, -96.7715600

16. Hokenson Cemetery
East Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5338650, -96.5854450

17. Monson Cemetery
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5146970, -96.5990070

18. Pioneer Cemetery
Sverdrup Township, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.7050018, -96.7406006

19. South Beaver Valley Cemetery
Brandon, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5592003, -96.5366974

20. Beaver Valley Lutheran Cemetery
Valley Springs, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.5871680, -96.5324020

21. Benton Lutheran Cemetery
Crooks, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6603600, -96.8548470

22. Split Rock Lutheran Church Cemetery
Garretson, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.6460500, -96.5519000

23. Springdale Cemetery
Harrisburg, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4746590, -96.5944595

24. West Nidaros Lutheran Church Cemetery
Crooks, Minnehaha County, USA
Coordinate: 43.7027300, -96.7926200