Gary Neal Kaper, 64, of Watseka, Illinois, died on January 16, 2022, following a short illness. He was born in Fort Worth, Texas on January 22, 1957 to Harry & Grace Kaper, who preceded him in death in 2021.
Gary was a 1975 graduate of Carl Sandburg High School, Orland Park, IL and completed his education at Joliet Junior College with a degree in agriculture science.
At age 12, Gary purchased his first Milking Shorthorn cow. Over the next 50 years, as owner of Kaper Cattle Company, he continued to develop his herd and implement breeding strategies that were recognized both nationally and internationally. Gary was a Registered Shorthorn breeder since 1973 and proud member of the American Shorthorn Association. With his vast knowledge of the breed and its history, Gary was a successfully published Shorthorn author on various platforms.
Gary was steadfast in his participation and commitment to family business, both Kaper's Hardware & Building Materials of Watseka, IL and Bedford Woodworking Company of Burbank, IL. Not only was he a history buff, he loved music. As an accomplished bassist, he expressed his love of Jesus Christ by writing many songs, celebrating his Christian faith. He felt blessed and honored to be a member of the band Hallel. Gary was on the Elder board at Cornerstone Church, as well as a musician in their worship and praise band.
Gary married the love of his life, Deborah (Phelps) on September 25, 2012 in historic St. Charles, Missouri. Together, they shared a strong commitment to their Christian faith, as well as a deep passion for the care of God's creatures, great and small. Survived by his siblings, Susan (Steve) Johnson, Burt (Nancy) Kaper, Jeff (Sarah) Kaper, Stephanie (James) Gray, step daughter Ashley (Sean) McQuinn and granddaughters Shannon & Danielle. As Uncle Gary to Cornell, Madelyn, Katelyn, Grant, Allison, Reed, Alex, Ethan, Anna, Ellen, Emma, Olivia & Oliver, he will always be remembered for his special nicknames for them, his unique sense of humor and unconditional love.
There are no words to express our grief and deep loss. But we are confident we will all be together again someday in the presence of our Lord.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cornerstone Church in Woodland, IL or donor’s choice.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 200 Half Street, Woodland, Illinois, 60974.
Arrangements by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.
